Spain and Russia clashed in Group B's opener at the European Under-21 Championships in Jerusalem on Thursday.
It was Spain that dominated the possession in the first period, but they could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Spain continued to probe in the second half, but they had to wait until the 82nd minute for Alvaro Morata to secure the three points with a powerful header.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! We are with the reigning champions this afternoon as Spain begin their Group B campaign against Russia in Jerusalem. The holders undoubtedly enter the competition as the favourites, but their opponents this evening also have a squad bursting full of talent. Netherlands and Germany complete what is the toughest group in the competition this summer.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Koke or Sergio Canales in the Spain starting team this afternoon, but Barcelona midfielder Thiago does skipper the side. Meanwhile, there are also starts for their top scorer in qualifying Rodrigo, Iker Muniain and Cristian Tello. Russia, meanwhile, have Real Madrid forward Denis Cheryshev in attack alongside Spartak Moscow forward Pavel Yakovlev. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
SPAIN: De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Martinez, Moreno; Illarramendi, Thiago, Isco; Muniain, Rodrigo, Tello
RUSSIA: Zabolotni; Schennikov, Chicherin, Burlak, Belyaev; Tsallagov, Petrov, Shatov, Bibilov; Yakovlev, Cheryshev
As mentioned, the two sides have met on three previous occasions in the European Championships at Under-21 level. Spain have won all three of those matches, scoring five times and conceding just once in the process. However, those results count for nothing this evening. The onus will be on Spain, but Russia are not just here to make up the numbers.
The reigning champions won nine of their 10 qualification fixtures – scoring 35 goals and conceding just three times in the process - with their only dropped points coming in a goalless draw with Switzerland in their penultimate fixture. They then made light work of Denmark in the playoffs, recording an 8-1 aggregate win to book their spot in the finals.
Russia, meanwhile, finished top of Group 6 in qualification having won six of their 10 matches, drawing three and losing just once. They were drawn against a talented Czech Republic side in the playoffs, but a 2-0 win in the first leg set them up nicely for the home tie, which finished 2-2, ensuring their spot in the finals with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Looking at Spain’s squad, it is not too difficult to see why they are the favourites for the competition once more. It is a team bursting with senior internationals, while the next generation of superstars will also be on show. Such talent brings pressure, however, and it remains to be seen how the youngster’s will cope under such weight.
Russia, however, are without Alan Dzagoev, who was one of six players to share the Golden Boot at the European Championships last summer, this evening due to his involvement in the senior squad, but the CSKA Moscow forward should feature in their second group match. For the same reason, Dynamo Moscow winger Aleksandr Kokorin is also unavailable.
Right, we are just about five minutes form kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. Russia would be the favourites against a lot of sides at this level, but not Spain. It is difficult to see any possible way how Spain do not win this football match. I am backing a comfortable victory for the holders in Jerusalem.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news - Rodrigo starts as the lone striker for Spain, while Tello and Muniain will provide the width. Russia, meanwhile, pair Yakovlev and Cheryshev in attack.
Russia coach Nikolai Pisarev has told reporters that "the lads are not afraid" of facing Spain this afternoon. Well, the time for talk is over, kickoff is upon us. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, let's hope that the football matches the occasion. Spain get the action underway in Jerusalem.
Taking a look at the Spain bench for a moment, they have the likes of Canales, Koke, Camacho and Morata in reserve - all regulars in the Spanish league. It is a big ask for Russia in this match there is no question about that. It doesn't matter what level of football Spain play at, the ethos is always the same. Possession, possession, possession. That has been the case in the opening two minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities in the opening four minutes with Spain dominating the possession. Petrov attempts to force the issue for Russia as he fires a high cross into the box, but De Gea is out to collect with ease. You just get the feeling that Russia need to stay in the game in the early stages.
Bright start from Tello as the Barcelona winger twice beats his defender before whipping a low cross into the box, but Burlak is across to clear on each occasion. It would be no exaggeration to say that Russia have had about 10 seconds of the ball in the opening six minutes. However, the score remains goalless in Group B's opening fixture of the competition.
Spain continue to pass and probe outside the box with Tello and Rodrigo coming deep to collect the ball, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far. Thiago attempts to open up the Russian defence with a pass towards Muniain, but Schennikov is across to clear. Still no real chances with eight minutes on the clock.
Tello is again involved for Spain as he bursts past two defenders before driving into the box, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment. Russia attempt to force the issue down the other end with Bibilov, but the midfielder's pass towards Petrov was always too powerful. Spain in control, but Russia have a nice shape about them thus far.
Half-chance for Spain as Montoya collects a cross from Tello before striking towards goal, but it just moved past the post. That is as close as either side has come to opening the scoring. A corner is awarded - it must have taken a slight nick off the Russian goalkeeper - but Bartra can only head the resulting set piece over the crossbar.
First real sign of Illarramendi as the defensive midfielder combines with Thiago before floating a long ball behind the Russian defence, but Zabolotni is on hand to make the clearance. Spain rebuild from the back moments later, but still Russian remain firm in defence. That Montoya chance remains the only opportunity for either side thus far.
Finally some respite for Russia as Spain give away a couple of free kicks in quick succession, but the resulting set piece from Petrov is poor. Chicherin makes good progress down the right moments later before delivering a cross into the box, but De Gea is out to collect with ease. Slightly untidy period of the match with 16 minutes on the clock.
Spain continue to deliver crosses into the box from each wing, but Rodrigo has been unable to make contact thus far. It does seem strange that the Benfica forward continues to drop deep despite Muniain and Tello finding the box at each opportunity. Plenty of possession for Spain, but no cutting edge in the opening 18 minutes.
Free kick in a good position for Spain as Thiago is felled by Petrov some 40 yards from goal. The resulting set piece is taken by the Barcelona midfielder, but Zabolotni is across to make a fine save. Wonderful effort from the Spain skipper, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. I suspect Barcelona will have something to say about that.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Well, Russia are just struggling for possession in general. But the longer it remains goalless, the more chance they will have of nicking something late on. Muniain has a half-chance for Spain moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Russia defender Schennikov as the right-back dives into a challenge with Muniain. In the Premier League he might have got away with that challenge, but not in European football. A little timeout follows with both sets of players taking on some fluid. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
It's really bright work from Isco as the Malaga midfielder moves past two defenders before whipping a ball towards Montoya, but it was just too powerful for the Barcelona defender. Russia attack down the other end with Yakovlev moments later, but the striker is penalised for a foul on Montoya. Still no goal-threat from the Russians.
Spain have just stepped on the gas in the last couple of moments with the Reds forcing two corners in quick succession, but the first is cleared by Burlak before Martinez heads the second over the crossbar. We have not seen too much from Rodrigo in the opening 29 minutes despite Muniain and Tello still providing quality into the penalty area.
Scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of a host of late challenges in the middle of the park. However, it has not been that type of match with just one booking recorded. Montoya is again the threat down the right for Spain, but his cross is cleared by Belyaev. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Bright work from Shatov wins a free kick outside the Spain boss as the midfielder is felled by Thiago. The resulting set piece is taken by Burlak, but the skipper's effort is straight into the wall. It falls to Belyaev, but his cross is straight into the arms of De Gea. Better from Russia in the last five minutes or so.
Plenty of possession for Spain in the latter stages of the half with Thiago and Isco enjoying control of the ball, but they are not really making any progress. Russia attempt to break with Petrov once more, but his cross is straight into the arms of De Gea. Muniain threatens moments later, but Burlak is across with a fine challenge.
Much more of an even contest at the moment with Russia prepared to commit numbers to each attack. However, like Spain, they have been unable to find that final pass. Plenty of good possession for both sides in the first half, but clear chances have been at a premium. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
The light is just starting to fade in Jerusalem, but the temperature remains 28 degrees. Spain will be used to these temperatures, but Russia will surely tire as the match reaches its latter stages. Muniain again tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Tello has a half-chance moments later, but he fires into the side netting from a difficult angle.
CHANCE! Wonderful effort from Yakovlev as the Russian striker controls on his chest before thumping an effort towards goal, but it just dropped wide of the post. De Gea had no chance. That is always the danger for Spain. Little over two minutes remaining in the first period. The score remains goalless.
Not too much for the Spain supporters to get excited about in the last 10 minutes or so with Russia more than in the match as we approach the latter stages of the half. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
Half-chance for Spain in the latter stages of the half as Illarramendi strikes an effort from outside the box, but Zabolotni is down to make a fine save. The resulting corner is taken by Isco, but it comes to nothing. That should be just about it for this half.
HALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Russia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Spain have certainly dominated the possession, but neither has done enough in the final third to deserve to be leading at this stage of the match. Russia will be pleased with their work in the opening 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Spain have had eight attempts to Russia's two, but just two of their attempts have been on target. Meanwhile, Spain have won six corners to Russia's zero. Just the one yellow card in the first period with Schennikov handed a booking for a late challenge on Muniain.
BENCH WATCH: Spain have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening with the likes of Canales, Koke, Camacho, Morata and Alvaro Vasquez in reserve. Meanwhile, Russia also have options in the shape of Emelyanov, Zotov, Panyukov and Kanunnikov.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Change for Russia at the interval with Grigoryev, who is a full international, replacing Bibilov. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital in this type of match. Russia get the second half underway.
In keeping with the flow of the first half, Spain begin the second period in control of the possession. However, the longer that the score remains goalless, the more chance Russia have of taking something from the match. No changes for Spain at the interval, but I suspect that will change as the match advances.
CHANCE! Best opportunity of the match for Spain as Isco finds the head of Rodrigo in the box, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post. Oh my word how has he missed? Good signs for Spain in the early stages of the half, but they should really be ahead. Russia live to fight another day.
CHANCE! Again it's wonderful work from Isco as the Malaga midfielder drives down the left before once more finding Rodrigo in the box, but again his header is wide of the post. Russia simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Spain continue to utterly dominate the possession.
Isco is completely controlling the tempo of this match at the moment as he continues to weave past the challenges of the Russian defence and he might have had a penalty when Burlak appeared to fell him in the box, but the referee was not interested. It looks ominous at the moment as Spain continue to pass and probe outside the box.
Just about as one-sided as you could possibly imagine at the moment as Spain continue to utterly dominate the possession in the Russia half. Good work from Tello wins a corner, but Bartra heads the resulting set piece over the crossbar. Russia really need to ride out this spell of pressure, but there is still more than 30 minutes of football remaining.
Muniain is next to come close for Spain as the Bilbao forward drives into the box before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. We are getting to that period of the match where Spain could be considering changes. Isco has another shot from outside the box, but Burlak makes the block.
Second change of the match for Russia as Kanunnikov enters the field in place of Cheryshev, who has faded in the second period. Half-chance for Montoya as the right-back drives into the box, but Shatov is across to make a fine challenge. The resulting set piece is delivered by Isco, but the referee blows for a free kick. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
So, 63 minutes on the clock and the score remains goalless. Spain continue to dominate both the possession and chances, but Russia remain in the match. The Russians have made two changes, but Spain are yet to look at their bench. Wouldn't it be just like football if Russia nicked one at the other end? Do not rule it out.
Spain do make their first change of the match with 25 minutes remaining as Muniain is replaced by Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. He scored a couple of senior goals for the La Liga outfit last season, while he was also involved in their Champions League campaign. Can he make the difference alongside Rodrigo?
Again Tello threatens for Spain as he collects a pass from Thiago before driving a low cross into the box, but Zabolotni is on hand to make the save. A free kick arrives for Russia down the other end moments later, but Shatov's delivery is cleared by Martinez. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Jerusalem.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to fall for Spain as Montoya finds the head of Morata in the box, but the striker can only fire his effort over the crossbar. If Spain do not win this match they will have only themselves to blame. It has been all one-way traffic for the majority of this match.
Another shooting chance comes to Spain as Illarramendi strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Time is not on Spain's side at the moment as the clock continues to tick on. Just a reminder that Netherlands and Germany will clash in Group B's other match later this evening. Be sure to remain with us for live commentary of that.
The chances continue to fall as Tello strikes an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. You cannot question the quality of Spain's football this evening, but their finishing has been poor. Little over 15 minutes remaining, with the score still level at 0-0.
Isco is again involved for Spain as he drives into the box before striking an effort from close range, but once more a defender is across to make a challenge. Russia have been sensational in defence this evening. However, the pressure continues to grow. Surely Spain will find an opening in the final 15 minutes or so?
Half-chance for Morata as the Real Madrid forward curls an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always flashing wide of the post. Spain have two changes remaining if they should wish to look at the bench, while Russia have one. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the opening fixture in Group B.
Half-chance for Russia this time as Tsallagov meets a free kick from Burlak, but his header is just wide of the post. Meanwhile, Spain make their second change of the match as Sergio Canales enters the field in place of Rodrigo, who has not had the best of times this evening. Can Spain find that elusive pass in the final 10 minutes?
Russia make their third change of the match as Tsallagov is replaced by Yuri Kirillov. The former has put in some shift this evening. Spain continue to dominate the ball in the Russia half, but the chances have just dried up in the last five minutes or so. However, there is still plenty of time for late drama here.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Russia (Morata)
Spain finally have their goal in the final 10 minutes as Morata heads a wonderful Thiago delivery into the back of the net. In truth, it had been coming. Russia's resistance has been broken with 82 minutes on the clock.
Spain make their third change of the match as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke enters the field in place of Tello, who has been one of the standout player this evening. You cannot help but feel for Russia, who have worked so hard, but they have not offered anywhere near enough in the final third.
Suddenly Spain are playing with confidence and swagger as they pass and probe outside the box, which has led Russia into making a number of late challenges. That is three players on a yellow card as we approach the final couple of minutes. The resulting free kick is whipped in by Thiago, but this time it is too long for Montoya.
POST! Another chance for Morata as the Real Madrid forward finds himself at the back post, but his effort smashes against the post. He has certainly made the difference since entering the field. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Spain comfortable in possession of the ball. In truth, the result has not been in doubt since the 82nd minute. Russia have hardly had the ball in the Spain half let alone had any clear chances. We are into the second of three additional minutes at the end of the match.
FULL-TIME: Spain 1-0 Russia
So there we have it. A dominant Spain side leave it late to secure all three points against Russia, who have dropped to the bottom of the group. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for commentary of Netherlands against Germany, which will get underway shortly. Good evening!
Spain U21s
