Confirmed: Spain lineup v Luxembourg – Cazorla and Fabregas start

Striker Sergio Aguero is expected to be sidelined for a number off weeks after he limped off with a hamstring injury in Argentina’s 2-0 defeat by Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

A more serious looking injury interrupted Spain’s flow once more when Morata had to be stretchered off after being accidentally stood on by a Luxembourg defender.

The second half felt like a training match at times, with Spain’s resounding grip on matters far too much for Luxembourg’s counterattacking threat, but Alcacer provided a few welcome respite just after the hour mark, when he latched onto Fabregas’ through ball and buried a finish beyond Joubert.

Alcacer won’t score an easier goal in his career – Alba beats the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball before squaring a pass to the substitute who simply taps it home.

Morata twisted into the penalty area early on and shot straight at Jonathan Joubert, before Spain suffered their first injury blow. The hosts finally break Luxembourg’s resistance through Cazorla. After receiving treatment on his ankle the former Valencia playmaker tried to play on, but signalled to the Spain bench soon afterward and was replaced by Manchester United’s Juan Mata in the ninth minute.

67′ – GOAL – Spain 2-0 Luxembourg!

Reigning European champions Spain assured they will be able to defend their title in France next summer as they mathematically confirmed their qualification for the finals with a 4-0 win against Luxembourg. Five minutes later, insult was added to injury when Cazorla netted his second on what proved a comfortable night. It was not exactly a performance that would have anxious the likes of Germany and France ahead of Euro 2016, but Spain have now not conceded a single goal in a competitive match since last October.

On the basis of this performance, Del Bosque still has work to do, but they will be delighted to have topped their group and avoided any late drama in their bid to qualify. It was always going to be a massive ask for the Red Lions to make an impression against the European champions, but for long spells of the first half and sections of the second, they frustrated Spain.

Santi Cazorla (Spain) – Broke the deadlock and was the only player in a Spain shirt who looked motivated throughout.