Spain knocked Albania out of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory that made it three wins from three in Group B.
Already qualified as group winners, Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to his starting XI, but the fluidity remained as they took an early lead through Barcelona striker Ferran Torres.
Spain, led by 38-year-old Jesus Navas, had a chance to extend their lead through the impressive Dani Olmo and veteran striker Joselu, but the second goal never came. They didn’t need it.
Consequence of this result: England, with four points from two matches, is now assured of reaching the round of 16, whatever happens during its match against Slovenia on Tuesday evening.
Albania had chances of their own, with Arsenal’s David Raya saving well from Kristjan Asllani and substitute Armando Broja. But Sylvinho’s side were at their limits trying to cope with Spain’s superior quality and their spirited tournament is over.
The only previous team to win all group matches without conceding a goal at a European Championship was Italy three years ago and they went on to lift the trophy. With such strength in depth, a repeat of this feat cannot be ruled out.
Analysis: Will Spain’s depth be the key?
While Gareth Southgate looks set to stick to a similar line-up for England’s third and final group match at Euro 2024, still looking for that positive performance to seriously believe in the knockout stages, his Spanish counterpart was able to rotate.
Having already secured first place in Group B thanks to two victories out of two, its purring stars had to miss the victory against Albania from the start. It seems unlikely that this will disrupt their rhythm with matches coming so quickly, but it has allowed others to shine.
Spaniard Jesus Navas captained a second-row team that looked anything but
Torres scored the goal, but there was much to like in Olmo’s performance, while full-backs Navas and Alex Grimaldo were an attacking threat. Mikel Merino showed his quality in midfield. Raya made several big saves. Everyone will have gained confidence.
All can probably expect to be back on the bench when Spain return to action in the round of 16, but they will do so having had a taste of this tournament, ready to make an impact on the match during the second half if necessary. It just might make a difference.
Player of the match: Ferran Torres
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring the only goal against Albania
The Premier League public barely knew Torres, leaving as he did at the start of his second season as a Manchester City player, but his record for Spain is remarkable. The winner here was his 20th goal for the national team in just 44 senior matches.
It was a fine finish too, curling into the far corner with his left foot after latching onto a delicious pass into space from Olmo. Torres is a player who does so well at going from the outside to the inside and this continues to bring him success in front of goal.
The competition in these broad areas is clear given that Lamine Yamal has wowed everyone with his exhibitions in Germany. But Torres reiterated his reliability and will expect more minutes before Spain’s Euro 2024 journey ends.
