'Brilliant' Spain beat Switzerland again

Spain's relentless charge towards the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying play-offs continued with a fifth consecutive victory in Group 5.

Facing the nation they defeated in this summer's final, Switzerland, Luis Milla's side had all but wrapped up the points by half-time courtesy of goals from Iker Muniain, Thiago Alcántara and Marc Bartra.

Muniain paved the way for La Roja's latest success with the opener on eight minutes, heading in a cross from the left by Planas. Like Muniain, Alcántara also started in the Aarhus showpiece five months ago and he doubled the lead from the spot after Fabio Daprelà had fouled Isco. Bartra rounded off the scoring in added time when he nodded in a corner from FC Barcelona team-mate Alcántara.

Milla, whose side are now five points clear of second-placed Switzerland, said: "I have to congratulate my team as much for their attitude as to the way they played. They were brilliant, above all in the first half. Before taking to the pitch we spoke of the importance of starting well.

"It's hard to know whether or not that was the best first half I've seen in a long time. We were crowned European champions in the summer but the great thing is that good players are continuing to come through. We have to continue along this path − the process of qualifying remains on track."