Sergio Ramos says the Scotland team has been Spain's most difficult opponents during the Euro2012 qualifying campaign.
The World Champions needed a late Fernando Llorente goal to beat the Scots 3-2 at Hampden Park in October last year and ahead of tonight's meeting in Alicante, Real Madrid star Ramos has spoken highly of Craig Levein's men who need a win or hope Lithuania beat the Czech Republic to assure a play-offs berth for next summer's tournament.
"That match was the toughest we faced in the qualifying campaign. Normally when we go two goals up, the game is over," he told Record Sport.
"But Scotland refused to give in and their fans were incredible.
"They didn't stop supporting the players and they got it back to 2-2 before we scored again. It was the kind of night that football should be all about.
"We have a great respect for this Scottish team and we know they will come here believing they can get a result.
"In fact, I wonder why Scotland haven't finished second in the group already because they are a good team.
"It's not something we can understand after that match in Scotland.
"It was a good game and it was a positive experience for all of us. We were made to feel welcome by the public in Glasgow."