Alvaro Morata scored the only goal of the game as Spain claimed a crucial victory over Ukraine in Euro 2016 qualifying Group C.
Juventus striker Morata, on his first start for Vicente del Bosque’s side, netted with a deflected effort to give Spain sole possession of second spot.
Spain are now three points clear of third-placed Ukraine in the pool.
They remain three behind group leaders Slovakia who eased to a 3-0 win over bottom side Luxembourg.
Morata, who spearheaded Spain’s attack in the absence of injured Chelsea striker Diego Costa, provided the decisive moment in the 28th minute.
The former Real Madrid forward, 22, latched on to an exquisite pass from Atletico Madrid playmaker Koke and his shot took a slight deflection before looping over Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov into the net.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice in Sweden’s 2-0 win over Moldova
Adam Nemec, Vladimir Weiss and Peter Pekarik were all on target for Slovakia against Luxembourg as they maintained their 100% record in qualifying while the group’s other game saw Belarus fight back from a goal down to win 2-1 away in Macedonia.
Elsewhere, Austria remain top of Group G after a 5-0 win overLiechtenstein in Vaduz thanks to goals from Martin Harnik, Marc Janko, David Alaba, Zlatko Junuzovic and Stoke’s Marko Arnautovic.
The victory means Austria stay four points clear at the top of the table, with second-placed Sweden keeping the pressure on with a 2-0 win against Moldova after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s brace.
Russia’s clash in Montenegro was abandoned in the second half, with the scoreline goalless, while Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was injured after he was hit by a flare in the first minute of the game.
In England’s group, second-placed Slovenia cruised to a 6-0 win overSan Marino and are level on points with Switzerland who clinched a 3-0 win over Estonia.
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Source: BBC Sport