Spain leads Germany 2-1 at Davis Cup

A four-set doubles victory Saturday by Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez gave Spain a 2-1 Davis Cup lead over Germany in Marbella, Spain.

Verdasco-Lopez beat Nicolas Kiefer and Mischa Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 on the red clay at Plaza de Toros de Puerto Banus. That put the defending champions within one victory of the 2009 Davis Cup semifinals, despite the absence of injured World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who has knee tendinitis.

Even though the crowd is very important, it’s what inside you that makes the difference, Lopez said. You have to draw from in you when you play, but the fans do help.

Spain could clinch Sunday with a win in one of two singles matches.

Verdasco faces Philipp Kohlschreiber and, if necessary, Tommy Robredo plays Andreas Beck.

Germany leads the all-time Davis Cup series 9-5, but the Spaniards have won three of the last four meetings.