As Scott McTominay expertly curved a breathtaking free-kick beyond the reach of Spain's hapless goalkeeper Unai Simon, Scotland could almost savor the effervescence of champagne tingling beneath their very nostrils. The tantalizing prospect of a resounding victory over Spain and securing qualification for Euro 2024 was within their grasp. 

However, the elation that enveloped the Scottish team swiftly transformed into a gut-wrenching torment as the intervention of VAR abruptly disrupted their joy. After an extensive review, the goal was harshly disallowed, leaving the spectators in the stadium dumbfounded. 

The information displayed on the screens indicated that the goal was invalidated due to a foul committed by Jack Hendry on the goalkeeper. However, UEFA, the governing body of European football, later clarified that the decision was based on Hendry being offside and interfering with play. 

The perplexity surrounding the controversial decision further intensified the prevailing feeling of unfairness, causing a seismic shift in the dynamics of the game. Spain astutely capitalized on the despair that engulfed the Scottish team, effectively translating their control of possession into a goal courtesy of Alvaro Morata. Scotland's misery was further compounded in the dying moments of the match when Spain secured a second goal via a disheartening own goal by Ryan Porteous.

Scotland ventured into Spain with an unblemished record from their preceding five qualifiers, which notably included a 2-0 triumph over the very same opponents in Glasgow back in March. The visiting team, requiring only a single point to secure their berth in Euro 2024, displayed admirable valor against a formidable adversary that had not suffered a defeat in a home qualifier for two decades. 

However, the referee and the VAR team held divergent perspectives, shattering Scotland's aspirations. Their manager, Steve Clarke, understandably found himself consumed by fury and frustration. "The decision changes the whole night," he voiced with exasperation.

"The game turned on a small margin, if it was offside or a foul, I don't know what he gave it for to be honest. McTominay's fine free-kick is so close to being a super goal... 

"Initially, Jack is a centimeter offside. Then when he steps towards the keeper they've asked the referee to look at it. They've interpreted Jack as interfering with the keeper. I'm not sure the goalie is saving that shot anyway."

The irritation was echoed by Scotland midfielder John McGinn. "Every Scottish person would be frustrated watching that," he said. "The goal, you think you've got a goal to qualify. Unbelievable strike from Scotty. No keeper in the world is saving that. 

"The referee decides it's a foul. During the game he changes his mind to say it's an offside. Not sure how clear that is. That's the thing that stings really. We get the big moment, we score. Jack's right leg is offside, but it's very, very harsh."

The encounter proved to be a grueling affair for Scotland, as they endured a series of setbacks. The loss of their captain, Andy Robertson, to an injury after a forceful collision with Simon, set the tone for the challenging nature of the match. Moreover, the denial of their goal further ignited a heated debate that raged on after the game's conclusion. 

However, they are far from finished in their pursuit of success. Clarke's side still has two remaining matches to cross the line. Despite succumbing to defeat, the Scottish players departed the pitch amidst an uproarious ovation from their traveling supporters in Spain. The atmosphere bore all the telltale signs of an unforgettable evening, only to be marred by the cruelest of blows.