Spain have secured a 1-0 win over Russia in their opening match of the European Under-21 Championship this evening.
The Spanish left it late to make the breakthrough when Alvaro Morata headed home Thiago's free kick in the 81st minute.
Both sides enjoyed good spells of possession in the first half but found it difficult to find a goal as they lacked quality in the final third.
Russia had the best chance of the half when Pavel Yakolev hit a powerful volley that dropped just wide of David de Gea's post.
Spain came close to opening the scoring five minutes after the break when Isco's cross found the head of Rodrigo in the box, but the striker missed from close range.
Rodrigo almost opened his account shortly afterwards, but he nodded another Isco delivery narrowly wide.
Spain began to increase the pressure on Russia and found the goal that their efforts deserved with nine minutes left on the clock.
Thiago curled a free kick into the box, where Morata glanced it beyond goalkeeper Nikolay Zabolotni from eight yards out to ensure that Spain took all three points.
Steven Toplis
Spain U21s
