ODENSE, Denmark - Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco had to work harder than expected to give Spain the winning point in Saturday's doubles match to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead over Denmark in the Davis Cup's second-tier relegation playoff.

The Spanish pair overcame unheralded Danish duo Frederik Nielsen and Thomas Kromann 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Nadal had helped build a 2-0 lead by winning his singles match on Friday, his first appearance for Spain in two years. The five-time winners had lost three straight matches without him to slip into the second tier of the competition.

This win means Spain stays in Group 1 for the Europe-Africa Zone, while Denmark will play Sweden in a second relegation round.