Spain welcomed Luxembourg to the Estadio Municipal Las Gaunas on Friday knowing that three points would see them qualify for Euro 2016 as Group C winners.
La Roja had to replace injured pair David Silva and Alvaro Morata in a tricky first half, but Santi Cazorla's 42nd-minute strike saw the hosts take a one-goal lead into the interval.
Luxembourg restricted Spain to few chances in the early stages of the second half, but Paco Alcacer netted a second for the European champions in the 67th minute, before the Valencia striker completed his brace 10 minutes from time.
Cazorla also finished with the night with two goals, meanwhile, after netting Spain's fourth in the 85th minute.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 qualification coverage continues from Logrono as Spain welcome Luxembourg in Group C. Victory for the home side tonight would be enough to book their spot at the showpiece tournament next summer, but the same cannot be said for Luxembourg, who have only collected four points from their eight group games in this particular campaign. Will there be a shock result?
Spain against Luxembourg has not exactly been a repetitive fixture down the years, but the two countries have met at senior level on five occasions. The first four of those were friendlies and La Roja were victorious in each of them. The pair, of course, also met in the reverse match in this particular group and it was Spain that triumphed with a thumping 4-0 victory last October.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS
SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Fabregas, Cazorla; Pedro, Morata, Silva
LUX: To follow...
So there we have it. Still waiting on the team news for Luxembourg, but Spain's XI is in. Interestingly, Alvaro Morata is given the nod at the tip of the attack and the Juventus striker will be flanked by Chelsea's Pedro and Manchester City's David Silva. Sergio Ramos's absence means that Marc Bartra is given a spot in central defence, while Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla are also in the team.
TEAMS
SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Fabregas, Cazorla; Pedro, Morata, Silva
LUX: Joubert; Chanot, Delgado, Malget, Jans; Gerson, Martins, Payal, Mutsch; Bensi, Joachim
Luxembourg have submitted their team! Burton Albion fans will be pleased to see their 29-year-old forward Aurelien Joachim leading the line this evening, while there are also spots in the XI for Stefano Bensi and Ben Payal. Joachim is the leading scorer in the XI with six international goals.
So there we have it. The team news is in and we are now just little over 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Spain. As mentioned, victory tonight would book Spain's spot at Euro 2016, but they could also lose here and still go through if they beat Ukraine on Monday. As it stands, Vicente del Bosque's side are top of the group on 21 points, two clear of second-place Slovakia.
Spain opened their qualification campaign with a 5-1 win over Macedonia, but were then beaten 2-1 in Slovakia. It has been all one-way traffic since then, however, with La Roja winning their last six in the group without conceding a single goal. They scored seven across two games with Luxembourg and Belarus before the end of 2014, before recording a 1-0 win over Ukraine in March.
Their next qualifier was against Belarus in June and a 1-0 victory ensured that they kept pace with Slovakia, who were also impressing in the group. A 2-0 win over their main challengers in the group allowed Spain to move top in September, however, before a 1-0 win over Macedonia last time out. As a result, the European champions are very much almost there. Surely they will not throw it away from this position!
The last time that Spain competed in this particular stadium was in a Euro 2012 qualifier back in 2011, when they thumped Liechtenstein 6-0. What's more, Del Bosque's side are unbeaten in 31 home qualifiers and have won their last 16 since losing 1-0 to Greece back in 2003. Victory tonight would not guarantee first spot in the group, but that would be the case if Slovakia, who sit second, do not beat Belarus.
Incredibly, tonight will be Spain's 150th European Championship match. They have won 96 of their previous 149 and lost just 26, which is a very impressive record. The bookmakers have Germany and France as the two favourites to win Euro 2016 next summer, but Spain, who have triumphed in the last two editions of the tournament, simply cannot be written off. Not with the quality that they have.
That said, the disaster of the 2014 World Cup will still be in the back of their minds. Spain were thumped by Netherlands as they went out of the tournament in the group stages and they then lost their next three friendlies after the competition in Brazil, with France, Germany and Netherlands all getting the better of Del Bosque's wounded outfit. At that point, there were serious question marks about the team.
As for Luxembourg, their wait to qualify for a major international tournament goes on. As it stands, they sit fifth in the group on four points, just one clear of Macedonia, who sit bottom. The Red Lions can still finish fourth, but would be relying on Belarus losing both of their final group games. Overall, it has been another difficult campaign for the minnows, but they have nothing to lose this evening.
Luc Holtz's side opened their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belarus, but were then beaten by Macedonia, Spain and Ukraine before the end of the year. Back-to-back away defeats to Slovakia and Ukraine followed, but they did record their first win in September when they beat Macedonia by the one goal. Their last group match, however, ended in a 2-0 loss in Belarus.
Luxembourg could well have a say on finishes top of this group, however, with their last two qualifiers against Spain here and away to Slovakia on Monday. While qualification was never likely, Luxembourg will be keen to improve on the points total (four) that they collected in their qualification campaign for Euro 2012. Progress would have been high on the priority list.
The omens, however, are not exactly great for Luxembourg tonight. As mentioned, they have lost each of their five previous meetings with Spain and have also lost their last six competitive away matches. Indeed, they have not won in 18 away qualifiers since a shock 2-1 triumph over Switzerland during qualification for the 2010 World Cup back in 2008.
As mentioned, Luxembourg's hopes of qualifying for their first-ever major international tournament will continue when World Cup qualifying gets underway. They have been drawn into Group A alongside Belarus, Bulgaria, France, Netherlands and Sweden, which is hardly straight-forward!
PREDICTION! To be honest, it is very difficult to make a case for the visitors this evening. Spain have not exactly been sensational in recent qualifiers, but I would be very surprised if they did not emerge comfortable victors in this particular match. For me, Spain to win 3-0 on the night.
Here we go then. Both sets of players are in the tunnel ahead of kickoff tonight. It is a really big ask for Luxembourg, but surprises can and do happen. Just a reminder of the Spain team news for this evening. You might notice that there is not a single Real Madrid player in the XI tonight...
OFICIAL | ¡Estos son los once elegidos! ¡Francia nos espera! ¡A POR LA CLASIFICACIÓN! #MantenemosLaPasión pic.twitter.com/zhjotz5Auw
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) October 9, 2015
KICKOFF! Plenty of smiling faces inside the stadium tonight and as expected, both national anthems were wonderfully observed here. "No to Racism" is the message from both countries before the match. Right, game time. it is the home team that get the first 45 minutes of action underway this evening...
... as expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Fabregas and Cazorla seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. Luxembourg have seemingly started with a five-man defence as Gerson reverts from midfield to centre-back.
PIQUE UPDATE! Whistles, lots of whistles. Politics. Pantomime. Everything.
Half-chance for Spain as Morata finds a yard of space outside the box before curling one towards goal, but it is a comfortable save for Joubert, who will expect to have a busy night between the sticks.
Morata's bright start continues as Silva threads a pass behind the Luxembourg defence, but the Juventus striker can only clip his effort wide of the post. The whistles for Pique are getting louder, meanwhile, which cannot be beneficial for the team. Luxembourg have survived five minutes here.
Gerson is perhaps a shade fortunate to escape a booking after diving into the back of Silva, who was too quick for Luxembourg's number seven. You sense that there will be a lot of free kicks in this game. Silva does not look comfortable here as he stays down following that lunge from Gerson...
... Silva limps off as Man City fans gasp. Aguero is already out for a month!
Silva comes back on, but does not look overly comfortable. That will be one to watch. As expected, Spain are still controlling the possession here, but Luxembourg have some pace on the counter.
SPAIN SUB! Silva cannot continue and Juan Mata enters the frame for the hosts.
CHANCE! Super chance for the home side as Cazorla's low shot falls to Alba on the left, but the full-back can only scoop over the crossbar from close range. Should really have done better there!
Luxembourg, as excepted, have taken a strong approach with some of their challengers this evening, but Pedro gets some revenge for Spain when he dives into Payal. The hosts have had a couple of opportunities to break the deadlock inside the opening 13 minutes, but the score remains 0-0.
Much better from Luxembourg as Martins slips a super ball into the Spain box towards Bensi, but Pique is across to make a fine challenge. The resulting corner is then hooked clear by Juanfran.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Spain on the counter, but the final strike from Busquets is weak and Luxembourg manage to clear. The hosts were in a very good position and had men over, but the shot from the Barcelona midfielder was poor. Still goalless in this Group C clash.
Good pressure from Spain in the last couple of minutes as they continue to move the ball in the final third, but it just is not dropping for a red shirt at the moment as the visitors manage to clear their lines on three separate occasions. The sea of red flows back, however, as Spain continue to dominate.
BOOKING! Bensi (Lux) is booked for a poor challenge on Busquets.
CROSSBAR! A wonderful passing move almost sees Spain take the field as Cazorla thumps one towards the top of the net, but it smashes off the crossbar. Moments later, Morata flashes one wide of the post. Luxembourg are living a charmed life at the moment, that is for sure.
Luxembourg have managed to force a couple of breakaways thus far this evening, but Casillas has not yet been troubled between the sticks. Bensi has been the brightest of the away side's attackers.
Another half-chance for Spain as Pedro winds his leg from the edge of the box, but his effort was always comfortable for the Luxembourg stopper. Still goalless with 25 minutes played here.
Martins has shown nice ability in possession this evening, with Luxembourg's number eight making a positive impression. I suspect that the visitors will be delighted with the opening 27 minutes here. Spain have of course had more of the ball and the better chances, but it is not been all one-way traffic.
Another half-chance for Spain as Morata rises highest inside the Luxembourg box, but his header was always angling wide of the post. Juanfran continues to threaten down the right for the hosts.
Spain call for a penalty as Morata goes down in the box under a heavy challenge from two defenders, but the striker was in an offside position. Again it was a super cross from Juanfran.
More injury problems for Spain as Morata goes down and stays there. Alcacer is warming up...
... Morata leaves the field on a stretcher. This does not look good for the Juventus striker.
SPAIN SUB! Alcacer replaces Morata for the hosts.
The two injuries have made this half a little bit stop-start, but Spain remain in control of the possession as they thread passes in the final third. Cazorla and Alcacer are involved in a slick passing sequence outside the box, but Pedro's final effort was always moving wide of the post.
Another half-chance for Spain as Alcacer finds space inside the Luxembourg box before hooking one towards goal, but his effort was always flying over the crossbar. Still goalless tonight.
Bensi, who has been comfortably the away side's best attacker in this first period, tries his luck from inside the Spain box, but his effort is just wide of Casillas's post. Good stuff from the number 11.
Just a reminder that victory for Spain this evening would see them secure first spot in Group C and indeed book their spot at Euro 2016. That said, Ukraine are currently behind held in Macedonia and second-place Slovakia are losing at home to Belarus. Results are going for Spain elsewhere.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Luxembourg (Cazorla)
Spain take the lead in the 43rd minute as Cazorla hammers home from close range after Pedro's initial effort had been kept out by the diving Joubert. In truth, it had been coming.
Luxembourg just need to be a little bit careful in the latter stages of this first period as Spain continue to move the ball in the final third. Pedro delivers a super cross towards Pique, but Malget is on hand to clear the danger. Another for Spain at this point might well secure all the points.
Cazorla has another strike from the edge of the box, but Chanot is on hand to make a strong block. The away side are really putting their bodies on the line at the moment, that is for certain.
We are into the second of two additional minutes and Spain are seriously on the front foot.
HALF-TIME: Spain 1-0 Luxembourg
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading 1-0 courtesy of a 42nd-minute strike from Santi Cazorla. It had been a largely frustrating half for the hosts, who lost David Silva and Alvaro Morata to injuries. However, as it stands, Spain will qualify for Euro 2016 tonight.
STATISTICS! Spain have utterly dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had 15 attempts, four of which were on target. As for Luxembourg, they have had two attempts, but not yet hit the target. As it stands, however, they are still very much in this contest. Bensi, who is the only player who has been booked thus far, was a bright spark for the visitors in the first 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH! As mentioned, Spain were forced into two first-half changes, with Mata and Alcacer replacing Silva and Morata. Del Bosque only has one permitted change remaining, but he has plenty of options in the shape of Isco, Thiago and Nolito. As for Luxembourg, the likes of Da Mota, Turpel and Thill will all be hopeful of appearing in the second half of this Group C clash.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Spain will qualify for Euro 2016 tonight as Group C winners. It is the visitors that restart the action...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too surprising when considering that Spain only have one remaining, while Luxembourg actually played quite well in that first 45 minutes.
As expected, Spain have started the second half on the front foot, with Luxembourg being forced to put all 10 outfield players behind the ball. At 1-0, the visitors will always have a chance, but you have to fear for them if Spain manage to score a second in the early stages of this second period.
Half-chance for Spain as the ball breaks for Pedro in a wide area, but the Chelsea attacker fires over the crossbar from inside the box. Luxembourg have not really been out of their half since the break.
Almost a spectacular moment from Joachim as the Luxembourg forward carries the ball into the Spain half before trying his luck on goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. That said, Casillas did look a little worried when it left the striker's boot! Still 1-0 to the hosts this evening.
BOOKING! Malget (Lux) is shown a yellow card for a poor challenge on Pedro, who is not best pleased with the defender and makes his point known. Not often you see Pedro riled like that!
BOOKING! Pedro (Spain) has been booked for his reaction to the challenge.
The resulting free kick is clipped into the Luxembourg box, but Bartra just cannot make contract under pressure from two defenders. No real chances for either side in this second period.
UPDATE! Silva appears to have an ankle problem, while Morata will go for a scan on what appears to be an injured calf, according to Sky Sports News. Bad news for Man City and Juve!
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes. Well, in the second period. Spain remain in control of the possession, but the visitors have been very good defensively here.
Still no movement on the Luxembourg bench, but we are entering the stage of the match where the visiting manager will be considering changes. Del Bosque, on the other hand, might be wary about making his third and final alteration. Luxembourg are still very much in this game tonight.
LUXEMBOURG SUB! Deville replaces Bensi for the visitors.
Spain have not exactly sent out a message this evening, but they are doing just about enough as we enter the final 25 minutes. Another goal for the hosts would surely secure all the points tonight.
GOAL! Spain 2-0 Luxembourg (Alcacer)
And there is the second for Spain. Alcacer nets his fifth international goal on his ninth appearance as the Valencia striker races onto a through pass from Fabregas before finishing into the corner.
This game has now gone for Luxembourg, but they will not want to take a pasting, that is for certain. Spain have now moved into an extra gear as they move through the lines.
Casillas is forced into action to deny Gerson from just outside the Spain box.
The legs of Luxembourg are tiring as Pedro dances into the box before trying his luck, but Malget is on hand to make a super block. Fabregas then tries his luck from a wide angle, but Joubert makes the save. This could be a long 20 minutes for the visitors as Spain go in search of more goals here.
It is good work from Martins as the Lyon midfielder finds space inside the Spain box before delivering a low cross towards the far post, but there are no takers and Spain's long clean sheet record continues. Martins, 18, has impressed for Luxembourg this evening, that is for certain.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Alcacer to add his second of the night and Spain's third after another super pass from Fabregas, but the striker can only clip his effort wide of Joubert's post.
Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining here and the hosts lead 2-0, which as it stands, would be enough to secure their position at Euro 2016 and indeed top spot in Group C. Slovakia are still surprisingly losing at home to Belarus, but Ukraine are now winning 1-0 in Macedonia.
SPAIN SUB! Nolito replaces Pedro.
Luxembourg have another shooting opportunity as Joachim finds space outside the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. The visitors are preparing another change...
... LUXEMBOURG SUB! Da Mota replaces Martins for the visitors.
GOAL! Spain 3-0 Luxembourg (Alcacer)
Spain have their third of the night and Alcacer indeed has his second as the Valencia forward pokes home from close range after excellent work from Alba. Luxembourg's goalkeeper did not exactly cover himself in glory as he failed to stop Alba's cross and Alcacer could not miss from inside the box.
Luxembourg will feel that 3-0 is quite harsh such is the effort that they have put into this game, but Spain have been dominant for pretty much all of it. Little over five minutes remaining here.
The referee is quickly on the scene to calm proceedings following a flash-point between Mutsch and Fabregas. There was not much in it and no further action is taken against either player.
GOAL! Spain 4-0 Luxembourg (Cazorla)
Spain have their fourth and Cazorla has his second as the Arsenal midfielder hammers one into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Not sure about the defending from the away side there!
BOOKING! Da Mota (Lux) is booked for a poor challenge on Juanfran.
Luxembourg were well in this game at 1-0 Spain, but in truth, they have really struggled since the second goal went in. This might well have finished five or six to Spain on the night.
LUXEMBOURG SUB! Joachim is replaced by Turpel.
We are into the first of two additional minutes here.
The Luxembourg goalkeeper comes a long way out of his goal to challenge Alba, who was all alone racing down the left. We are into the final seconds here and Spain are heading to the Euros.
FULL-TIME: Spain 4-0 Luxembourg
So there we have it. Spain indeed qualify for Euro 2016 with a thumping 4-0 win over Luxembourg. Cazorla and Alcacer both scored braces for the European champions, who proved far too strong on the night. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
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