Spain have eased into the knockout stages of the Euro 2024 after winning all their group-stage matches. The 2008 winners needed just one goal in their final Group B game to collect all three points and finish on top of the group.
Albania vs Spain Highlights
13′ GOAL! Ferran Torres gives Spain the lead with a beautiful strike inside the box. Dani Olmo deserves a lot of credit for that well-timed pass into the box.
66′ YELLOW CARD: Nadim Bajrami is the first one booked today as the referee takes his name for simulation.
89′ YELLOW CARD: Medon Berisha is booked for a foul on Fermin Lopez.
90′ YELLOW CARD: Dani Vivian is booked and he becomes the first Spanish player to have his name taken following a foul on Armando Broja.
92′ SAVED! Armando Broja takes a shot from close range but David Raya does well to save it and collect the ball with a diving effort.
Key Stats
- Spain have won all of their previous meetings with Albania – their best 100% record against any single opponent in all competitions.
- Spain have become just the second side to win all three of their group stage games at a UEFA European Championship finals without conceding, after Italy also did so at EURO 2020 (an edition which they went on to win).
- Albania have been knocked out at the group stages of a UEFA European Championship finals for a second time (alongside 2016), while this was the first edition that they failed to win a single game (D1 L2).
Player of the Match
Dani Olmo was on top of his game today and hardly put a foot wrong. He provided the assist for the lone goal of the match and was looking to create chances at every opportunity.
Key Moment
Spain’s 100% win record was at risk in the final minutes of the match as Albanians pushed for a goal. However, David Raya’s diving effort to save Armando Broja’s shot was enough to seal the 1-0 win after Ferran Torres’s first-half goal.
Conclusion
Spain came into the tournament as one of the favorites for the win and they have managed to get through the knockout stages without any issue. They will be looking to keep things going and make it all the way in the tournament.
They will need to wait for matches of Group D, E, and F to end before knowing who they face net as their opponents in the Round of 16 are someone who finishes 3rd in their respective group.
Also Read: Albania vs Spain Player Ratings as Ferran Torres Shines Brilliantly