4 goals in 18 minutes
Relief was not the point of this display; the aim was to reset a mood strained by controversy and headlines. Spain faced a country unsettled by scandal, and on the field the focus stayed squarely on football. Luis de la Fuente’s squad arrived in Georgia ready to assert themselves, and they did so with a performance that left little doubt: a commanding 1-7 that underscored the value of meticulous preparation, bold attacking, and clinical finishing. A win like this can become a turning point, a moment when football reclaim s the center stage in a time of turbulence.
The result paved the way toward the next European Championship, a path shaped by the unease following a defeat to Scotland in March. The journey was demanding, not the hardest in history, but memorable for its impact and potential. It marked a milestone for Lamine Yamal, who at 16 years and 57 days became the youngest player to appear for the team in an official match. His breakthrough was highlighted by a goal that represented the seventh for Spain, amplifying the rising influence of the Barcelona forward and signaling a bright future for the squad.
Yet the night belonged to more than a single story. Morata stepped forward with authority, delivering a hat trick four days after a public statement surrounding Rubiales. His performance, marked by a bracelet on his wrist, reminded everyone of his ongoing importance to the side. Marco Asensio looked sharp and energetic until a moment when the physio signaled a precaution before the break, a reminder that even the best can be managed for longevity. Dani Olmo and Nico Williams also contributed, with Williams providing a breakthrough second-half performance that energized the crowd even further.
In the opening 40 minutes in Tbilisi, Spain wrestled control from the hosts and set the tone for the night. De la Fuente crafted a game plan that blended possession with purposeful, crisp attacking moves. Morata struck four goals in 18 minutes, tying the rhythm of the night to precise combinations with Olmo and Davit Kvirkvelia to cap the scoring flow.
Georgia, overwhelmed by the rain and Spanish pressure, ceded space and momentum. The visitors arrived with a sense of authority, like stepping onto a private jet and declaring intent from the moment the match began. Football, in moments like this, can feel like a dress rehearsal for something larger, a reminder that the sport at this level often operates with its own momentum, beyond the ordinary.
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal
Morata’s third goal crowned him as the focal point of the night. Williams joined the festivities, adding depth to Spain’s rhythm with a chorus of confident play. His earlier contribution, while solid, did not eclipse the standout moments, but it helped sustain momentum after the break.
Just before halftime, Yamal stepped into a larger role. He joined Dani Olmo and Asensio in a double substitution, entering the arena with poise. Not only did he handle the moment with composure, he became the youngest scorer in the team’s history by converting a key assist from Williams, sealing the seventh goal with minutes to spare. The moment underscored Spain’s emphasis on a strong youth pipeline and the coaching staff’s belief in integrating fresh talent without sacrificing results.
Spain pressed forward to the final whistle, not out of necessity to chase more goals, but because the day’s objectives had already been achieved. Three valuable points secured, a restorative performance delivered, a new star introduced to the public, and external distractions briefly set aside. The match sent a clear message that football triumphs can still provide clarity during uncertain times, and it stood as a vivid reminder of the sport’s power to unite fans and reset the national mood.