Spain have won all three group games at the European Championship for the first time since 2008 after they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory to end Albania's Euro 2024 journey.

With top spot already secured, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente opted to make 10 changes for Spain's final match in Group B.

Those alterations did not have any adverse effect as Ferran Torres required just 13 minutes to slot a left-footed strike out of the reach of Brentford's Thomas Strakosha.

After experiencing a difficult first period, Albania offered a significant improvement in the second half as they desperately fought to turn the game on its head.

However, they could find no way through a stubborn Spain backline, ensuring that they finished bottom of Group B with just a point to their name.

As for Spain, they will now turn their focus to the knockout round as they continue to dream of replicating the European Championship triumphs of 2008 and 2012.

© Reuters

Torres gets early breakthrough

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte was the only survivor from Thursday's 1-0 win over Italy as De la Fuente opted to give his regular starters a rest ahead of the knockout rounds.

In contrast to the Spain boss, Albania manager Sylvinho made just one change for the must-win game, replacing Elseid Hysaj with Rayo Vallecano right-back Ivan Balliu.

La Roja wasted little time in creating the game's first chance, with Jesus Navas standing the ball up for Mikel Merino to draw a smart stop from Strakosha.

Joselu, who is closing in on a move to Qatar, then headed over the bar to offer another warning sign to the Albanian backline.

Just moments later, Albania's fears came to fruition as Dani Olmo produced a well-weighted through-ball to slip in Torres, who opened his body to send a left-footed shot in off the far post.

With a narrow lead established, Spain appeared to be in complete control and cruising towards the break until Kristjan Asllani reminded them that they were still in the contest.

Asllani collected the ball on the edge of the box, before seeing his powerful shot pushed away by the outstretched Raya.

Ferran Torres exquisitely finishes off a superb Spanish move and they lead in Dusseldorf! 🇪🇸#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #ESPALB pic.twitter.com/6DGfiJmZii

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 24, 2024

Albania show grit and determination

Spain threatened to double their advantage within the opening three minutes of the second half, with Joselu hooking the ball wide after contorting his body to meet Alex Grimaldo's lofted cross.

Albania showed greater intent following the half-time break, but that did not stop Sylvinho from introducing Armando Broja just before the hour mark.

Broja was quickly thrust into the action, latching onto a neat free kick before seeing his first-time strike smartly stopped by Raya.

The dangerous Asllani was the next player to go close as the Inter Milan midfielder fired a long strike just wide of the far post.

Albania refused to give up and continued to pile the pressure on Spain, with Broja seeing his late shot saved by the diving Raya.

Despite their best efforts, Albania could find no way through the stubborn Spain backline, ensuring that their Euro 2024 campaign ended in a narrow defeat.

Man of the Match - Dani Olmo

RB Leipzig's Olmo impressed in his first start of Euro 2024, including the crucial assist for what proved to be the decisive goal.

Olmo completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch, and he ultimately proved to be one of Spain's main threats until he was withdrawn in the 84th minute.

He may still struggle to earn a starting place for Spain's last-16 outing, but he demonstrated that he can still be an important player for his country in this tournament.

What next for Spain?

After progressing with a 100% record, La Roja will now start preparing for Sunday's last-16 tie which will take place in Koln at 8pm (BST).

Spain do not currently know the identity of their opponent, but they will face one of the third-placed sides from Group A, D, E or F.