La Roja moved quickly to condemn the Limassol trial, and now, with a near-certain first place, the path to the European Championship looks favorable. In Limassol, Spain under Luis de la Fuente crafted a quiet, efficient triumph, effectively sealing qualification from Group A as the top team. The victory came early, helped by Scotland’s draw with Georgia, allowing Spain to gain a comfortable advantage as they set their sights on next summer’s continental tournament. A final-day draw with Georgia would secure the group for the national team.
Cyprus vs. Spain provided a clear snapshot of Spain’s momentum. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring with a striking strike that showcased his natural quality, a moment that set the tone for the evening. While the early goal sparked excitement, the game quickly settled into a controlled contest as Spain managed the tempo, avoiding unnecessary risks as they built their lead.
Oyarzabal, assisted by debutant Alejandro Grimaldo, extended the lead to 0-2 amid a moment that VAR confirmed for the scoreboard. Shortly after, Joselu Mato — starting in the match — added a third before halftime, reinforcing Spain’s dominance and signaling a strong first half performance. The encounter began to fade in intensity after the break, with Spain prioritizing caution as the result appeared settled. Oyarzabal, who had to abandon the field due to a muscle concern in the first half, was among several changes that allowed Cyprus to respond. The relaxation helped Pilea find space and generate a scoring opportunity for Cyprus, exploiting gaps along the left with David García and Dani Carvajal pulled out of position.
The late stages saw Spain’s frame of play soften further, as the match drifted toward its conclusion. The moment also marked a notable debut in an official Spain shirt for David Raya, who had previously played only in friendlies, alongside Rodrigo Riquelme of Atlético de Madrid, Aleix García of Girona, and Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen — all earning their first caps in competitive action.
Looking ahead, attention returns to Spain’s broader campaign and how this victory fits into the ongoing qualification narrative. The team will aim to maintain momentum, manage player loads, and continue refining combinations that can translate into performance in upcoming fixtures. The Cyprus win underscored depth and flexibility within the squad, elements that could prove decisive as the qualifying stage progresses and the focus shifts toward securing a top position in the group.
This match summary reflects Spain’s consistent approach: efficient goal creation, purposeful buildup, and careful risk management when the scoreline favors them. It also highlights the emergence of new contributors who can broaden the team’s options going forward, while senior players continue to provide leadership and stability across varied tactical circumstances. The continued qualification push remains a central objective, with every result carefully weighed against the broader aim of reaching the European Championship with momentum and depth. The sequence of events in Limassol reinforces the sense that Spain’s path to Euro glory is being shaped by measured performances, timely goals, and a growing pool of capable performers ready to step in when called upon.
Source: Goal