Spain thumps Cyprus in Granada as Gavi, Merino, Joselu, Ferran and Baena shine
Spain carried the momentum from September 2023’s break into Euro 2024 qualifying, cementing a commanding win over Cyprus at Los Cármenes. After a 7-1 thrashing of Georgia in Tbilisi, La Roja repeated the feat in Granada, showcasing depth and sharp finishing across the forward line. Gavi, Mikel Merino, Joselu, Ferran Torres (two goals) and Álex Baena, making his debut, all found the back of the net for the hosts.
With nine points from four games, Spain sit in second place in Group A, five points behind leaders Scotland who lead with fifteen. The next assignment for the Spanish squad is a trip to Scotland on October 12, a clash that could shape the group’s eventual standings.
Live coverage and key moments: Spain vs. Cyprus
Live summary of Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Cyprus: goals, plays and notable moments
The breakthrough came early as Gavi opened the scoring with a precise finish after a clever buildup that started from the left. The hosts controlled possession and probed through channels on the flanks, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing width and pace. The Cyprus defense absorbed early pressure, but Spain’s pressing intensity kept the game in a high gear from the opening minutes.
Merino doubled the advantage with a well-timed header from a cross delivered by a darting move on the edge of the box. Rodri tested the keeper with a couple of efforts, and there was a moment when Morata thought he had found a teammate off a rebound, only for VAR to overturn the decision on an offside call.
By the half-hour mark, Spain’s dominance was evident. A flurry of chances followed, but it was Joselu who added a third with a calm finish after a through ball found him in space near the goal. The Cypriots struggled to clear danger on the edges of the area, and Spain’s midfielders kept the tempo high, creating a series of half-chances that could have yielded more goals before the break.
The second half opened with renewed vigor. Baena, on as a first-time starter, marked his debut with a swift, close-range strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance and marked a memorable first touch in international football. The goal spurred Spain on, and Ferran Torres completed a late burst of scoring with two superb finishes that showcased his clinical finishing ability in the box.
Granada’s atmosphere rose as the scoreline widened. Spain’s positional play—particularly down the flanks—continued to stretch Cyprus, allowing Carvajal to join the attack and pick out dangerous crosses and passes into the heart of the box. The Cypriots found it difficult to stem the pressure as Spain’s front line clicked with a rhythm that suggested a well-prepared plan was paying dividends.
In the middle of the field, Merino’s influence was clear: intelligent movement, timely interceptions, and precise distribution helped Spain control the pace of the game. The defense, led by a steady backline, kept Cyprus’s threats to a minimum while maintaining the offensive balance that characterized this convincing win.
The match also brought about a notable moment when Nico Williams was replaced by Yeremi Pino early in the second half due to a precautionary adjustment after an injury scare. The switch did not disrupt Spain’s tempo; instead, it allowed new energy and speed to push forward from the wings.
As the game wore on, Ferran Torres sealed the victory with two more goals, one from distance and another from inside the box, cementing his status as a primary goal threat for the side. The final score reflected a performance that balanced attacking fluency with disciplined defense, a combination Spain will hope to carry into upcoming European fixtures.
Lineups featured Lamine Yamal as a starter for La Roja, with Morata and Nico Williams completing a dangerous attacking trio. The overall setup demonstrated a blend of youthful zeal and seasoned finishing, a hallmark of the national team’s current approach under the management of the national coach.
This triumph extends Spain’s unbeaten sequence in the qualifying campaign and reinforces the belief that the team can compete at the highest level in Germany next year. Fans are left looking ahead with optimism toward the Scotland fixture, a potential marquee matchup that could shape the final group standings as Euro 2024 approaches. The players wore their intent on their sleeve, and the result reflected a well-executed game plan that maximized Spain’s strengths in wide areas and the pace of their forward line.
Across the squad, the collective effort stood out: a cohesive display that combined clinical finishing with robust ball recovery and patient buildup in the final third. The result sent a clear message to the rest of Group A: Spain remains a formidable force capable of delivering goals in bunches while maintaining solid organizational shape at the back.
— Goal