Spain moved to the brink of World Cup qualification after a commanding 4-0 victory in Georgia extended their perfect record in Group E.
The result strengthened their position at the top of the standings and kept Luis de la Fuente’s side firmly on course for automatic passage to next summer’s tournament.
They arrived in Georgia without several senior figures, yet imposed control almost immediately.
Their pressure produced a breakthrough inside 11 minutes, when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot after Giorgi Gocholeishvili handled inside the area.
The early goal settled Spain and exposed the gulf in composure and structure between the two sides.
Martin Zubimendi doubled the advantage soon afterwards with a calm lift over Giorgi Mamardashvili following a well-weighted pass from Fabian Ruiz.
Spain then tightened their grip before half-time when Oyarzabal slid a low ball across the box for Ferran Torres to guide in from close range.
Spain continued in the same rhythm after the interval and stretched the lead just past the hour.
Torres created the fourth with a curling delivery from the right that Oyarzabal met with a firm header, guiding the ball in off the far post to secure his second of the evening.
Georgia mustered a late attempt to pull one back, but Marcos Llorente cleared off the line to preserve Spain’s unblemished defensive record in the campaign.
De la Fuente used the comfortable margin to introduce Pablo Barrios, Fermin Lopez and Borja Iglesias.
Spain closed out the match with complete authority and maintained a run that now reads 19 goals scored and none conceded across five qualifiers.
Their position could have been mathematically secured on Saturday, but Turkey’s 2-0 win over Bulgaria delayed confirmation for at least another three days.
Spain have a three-point cushion and a vastly superior goal difference, which means only a seven-goal defeat in Seville on Tuesday would deny them top spot.
Recent Posts
- Yamal: ‘Mbappe and I are the best in the world, but I deserve the Ballon d’Or’
- Pro Ref admits error in Erling Haaland’s controversial Manchester derby winner as Man City beat Man United
- Five major talking points as Man City beat Man United at Old Trafford in controversial derby
- Three decisions Martin O’Neill got wrong as Rangers dump Celtic out of the Scottish League Cup
- Three things we learnt from Ibrox thumping as Rangers beat Celtic 3-0
- Confirmed Manchester United XI vs Man City: Luke Shaw injured, Benjamin Sesko dropped
- Manchester United ban 685 ticket-holders in ticket touting crack down
- Barcelona financial woes worsen despite breaking €1bn revenue barrier
- Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami, but Nashville strike late to secure draw
- Arsenal staff fear job cuts despite historic Premier League title as US consultants lead club review