Slick Spain leave Albania standing
Monday, September 9, 2013
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Spain 4-0 Albania
A pair of goals either side of half-time from captain Iker Muniain set the holders on their way to a commanding victory in Logrono.
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Champions Spain completed a second heavy win in quick succession in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 4, captain Iker Muniain leading the way with two goals.
Following on from Thursday's 6-2 opening success against Austria, there was no let up from the Spanish and Athletic Club midfielder Muniain hit the first two in Logrono. Álvaro Morata added one more to the four he registered Graz before Jesé Rodríguez rounded things off to put Julen Lopetegui's side top of the table on goal difference.
The scoring commenced on 35 minutes when Gerard Deulofeu was sent clear on the right. The forward cut into the area and rolled across goal to present Muniain with the simplest of finishes. Sergi Roberto did the hard work for the second shortly after the break, charging through the centre and laying to his left for the No7 to sweep in his second of the game with his right foot.
Morata showed his form in front of goal to guide Daniel Carvajal's through ball into the corner on 59 minutes, before Rodríguez played a delightful one-two with fellow substitute Carles Gil on the edge of the area and sidefooted past a helpless Thoma Strakosha to round off the scoring.