Spain have moved a step closer to securing a place in the European Under-21 Championship qualification play-offs with a win at Albania.
Julen Lopetegui’s side ran out 2-0 winners at the Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium in Elbasan on Monday afternoon thanks to second half goals from Iker Muniain and Gerard Deulofeu.
After a goalless first half, Sergi Roberto’s burst forward and pass set up Muniain for the opening strike just past the hour mark for the visitors.
Gerard Deulofeu’s clever move and finish made it 2-0 with two minutes to go, to secure La Rojita’s sixth consecutive win in qualification.
The team are now assured of at least second spot in qualifying Group 4 and lead second place Austria by nine points, albeit having played two games more, with the Austrians in action later today at home to Hungary.
Spain need to finish top of the group to guarantee a spot in qualification play-offs, two-legged affairs to determine competing nations in 2015’s competition proper hosted in Czech Republic.
Spain have won the last two editions of the Under-21 tournament.
