Spain’s Under-21 side began the second consecutive defence of their European Championship crown in style away to Austria.
La Rojita, who have made a number of changes to their first squad announced after retaining the trophy this summer in Israel, began qualification for the 2015 edition of the European Championships on Thursday night.
Julen Lopetegui’s men began strongly and ran into an early 3-0 lead thanks to Dani Carvajal’s opener and then two quick goals from Alvaro Morata.
The hosts pulled one back soon after before the Real Madrid striker completed his hat-trick in first-half stoppages.
Three more goals followed in the second period, as Carvajal put through his own net before Morata netted a fourth and teammate Jese Rodriguez marked his debut at this level with Spain’s final goal for a 6-2 win.
Drawn in Group 4 qualifying, La Rojita will face Albania in Logrono on Monday evening.