This Spain is definitely really impressive. Even reworked, La Roja left Albania no chance on Monday evening in Düsseldorf, winning (0-1) to continue its flawless run in this Euro 2024. Three victories, five goals scored, none conceded, one first place validated… there is not much that Luis De la Fuente’s men could have done better in this group B, considered by many to be the group of death.
Qualified and sure of being first before entering the field, the 2008 European champions and their coach had decided to carry out a large squad review. Only one starter during the great victory against Italy on Thursday was returned to the Merkur Spiel-Arena: Aymeric Laporte. A rotation which did not prevent the Spaniards from starting strong.
A numbing Spain
The only survivor of the 2010 world title and captain for one evening, Jesus Navas (38) set the tone, overflowing down the right side before crossing towards Mikel Merino, whose header came up against a fine save by Thomas Strakosha (11th). The Brentford goalkeeper, however, was unable to do anything two minutes later following an action initiated by Laporte. With a superb pass, the central defender managed to break two lines to find Dani Olmo, whose caviar was magnificently converted into a goal by Ferran Torres (0-1, 13th).
Author of his 20th goal in 44 caps, the Barcelona winger could even have scored a double, but did not get his head on target after a good cross from Alex Grimaldo (41st). In control, the Iberians anesthetized an Albanian team full of good will, but sent back to its technical limits by a sovereign Roja in midfield. It still came close for Sylvinho’s men to equalize with their first strike of the match, David Raya flying perfectly to deflect Kristjan Asllani’s huge attempt from 25m (44th).
La Roja controlled
Started at the same pace as the first act, with Spanish domination reflected by a beautiful acrobatic recovery from Joselu passed just next to Strakosha’s right corner (47th), the second half was initially controlled by the winners of the last League of Nations. 60% possession, 574 passes to 399… La Roja controlled the tempo without forcing, wanting not to draw too much on its reserves.
Aware of the possibility of snatching a qualification in the event of success, the Albanians struggled in fits and starts, like this lob attempt by Armando Broja well read by Raya (64th). Aroused by their audience, the newcomers to the Euro finished better, taking advantage of the opponent’s drop in pace. But neither Asllani (77th) nor Hoxha (86th) hit the target.
In control, Spain, which won its first three Euro matches for the second time after 2008, continues its journey calmly and will challenge one of the four best third-placed teams on June 30 in Cologne, in the round of 16.
