PLAYER OF THE MATCH – FERAN TORRES (SPAIN)
The former Manchester City man was in fine form as he scored his 20th international goal in his 44th appearance for Spain.
But the midfielder’s performance was much more than a goal, thanks to his attacking play which made him a constant thorn in the side of the Albanian defence.
Now 24, Torres would still have a decade left at the top level, a terrifying prospect given how well he used pockets of space and was able to separate his man to create shooting opportunities.
PLAYER RATINGS
Albania: Strakoša 6; Baliju 7, Ajeti 7, Đimsiti 7, Mitaj 7; Asani 6, Ramadani 6, Laci 6, Asllani 7, Bajrami 6; Manaj 6. Substitutions: Broja 7, Berisha 6, Hoxha 6, Muci n/a
Spain: Raia 8; Navas 7, Vivian 7, Laporte 6, Grimaldo 6; Torres 8, Zubimendi 6, Olmo 7, Merino 7, Ojarzabal 6; Joselu 6. Substitutions: Le Normand 6, Lopes 6, Jamal 7, Morata 6, Baena n/a
KEY MOMENTS
13′ GOAL! ALBANIA 0-1 SPAIN (Ferran Torres). We have take off! Ferran Torres does it again against Albania. It all starts at the back, as Spain play the ball out of defence. Olmo sends a brilliant pass forward, and Barcelona curls it into the far corner. 1-0.
45′ RAJA’S FLYING DEFENSE. That’s the first stop the keeper had to make tonight, and it’s a good one. Kristjan Asllani lets rip outside the arena with a palm deflected thunderbolt
47′ JOSEL COMES CLOSE. What a start to the second half that would be. From the left comes a cross. It’s between the penalty spot and the six-yard line, and Joselu somehow gets in front of his defender, hooks a leg and steers the ball the wrong side of the near post
64′ NUMBER OF TESTERS OF PARADISE. Wow! Another great save from Rai! Broja makes a great run at a cut free kick, and from a difficult angle hits the goal, forcing the goalkeeper with a brilliant header over the crossbar.