A first-half goal from Ferran Torres was enough to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Albania and ensure Luis de la Fuente’s side maintained their 100% record in EURO 2024 Group B on Monday night.
With Spain already assured of top spot in the group, de la Fuente made 10 changes to his starting lineup, with only Aymeric Laporte surviving from the team that defeated Italy last time out.
Despite their much-changed lineup, Spain were still able to take the lead in the 13th minute when Torres slotted home after a pinpoint pass from Dani Olmo.
Albania, who needed a win to have any chance of progressing, had started the game brightly, but Spain soon took control of the contest, with Joselu going close with a header before Torres broke the deadlock.
From that moment on, Spain were largely comfortable, though they were almost caught out just before half-time when Raya inadvertently kicked the ball against Laporte, only for the ball to bounce back into the goalkeeper’s grateful arms. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of La Roja.
The second half saw Albania push forward in search of an equaliser, and they were unlucky not to find one when Armando Broja’s close-range shot was superbly saved by the sprawling Raya.
However, Spain’s defence held firm, and the introduction of Alvaro Morata and 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal late on helped the 2008 and 2012 European champions see out the victory. The defence, coupled with the Arsenal goalkeeper’s superb saves ensured a clean sheet for Spain.
The 1-0 result means Spain have now won all three of their group matches without conceding a goal and scoring 5 gaols, a performance that will send panic to whoever will face them in the knockout stages.
For Albania, their second-ever major tournament appearance has ended in disappointment, but they can still be proud of their spirited performances against the likes of Italy and Croatia.
