Spain maintained their perfect record at Euro 2024 by defeating and eliminating Albania, a result that also secured last-16 places for England, France, and the Netherlands.
Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, now with Barcelona, gave a much-changed Spain side the lead in the 13th minute, finishing low from Dani Olmo’s pass, with the ball bouncing in off the post.
Kristjan Asllani’s powerful 25-yard strike for Albania prompted a fine save from Spain goalkeeper David Raya, who spent last season at Arsenal on loan from Brentford.
Raya also did well to keep out Fulham striker Armando Broja’s shot on the turn, as Albania failed to find an equalizer and finished at the bottom of Group B.
Much-changed Spain win again
Three-time European champions Spain had already secured top spot with wins over Croatia and Italy, allowing coach Luis de la Fuente to make 10 changes to his starting line-up.
The substitutions he later made ensured that every outfield player in their 26-man squad featured during their opening three matches.
Spain had won all eight of their previous encounters with Albania and never looked like losing in Dusseldorf, creating chances from the early stages.
Former Manchester City player Jesus Navas, now 38 and playing as an attacking right-back, produced a fine cross, and Mikel Merino, formerly of Newcastle, had an effort parried.
Joselu, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid after earlier spells with Stoke City and Newcastle, also went close before Spain’s first goal.
After Torres scored, Spain had chances to seal the game, but Olmo, Torres, Merino, and Joselu missed opportunities.
Albania realistically needed to win to progress, but this loss, along with Italy’s 1-1 draw against Croatia, left Sylvinho’s side at the bottom of the group.
This outcome also confirmed the progression to the last-16 for England from Group C and France and the Netherlands from Group D, as all three had already secured four points from two matches.
These teams have higher ambitions, but at worst, they will be among the four best third-placed finishers in the group stage, which is enough to advance.
Of the 24 nations at Euro 2024, only Spain and Portugal have won all their matches, with Portugal playing their third group match on Wednesday against Georgia.
Spain will play their last-16 match on Sunday in Cologne (20:00 BST) against a third-placed finisher from Group A, D, E, or F.
Albania’s Euro adventure ends
Albania has never participated in a World Cup, and this was only their second appearance in the European Championship, eight years after failing to advance from the group stage.
Their challenge appeared daunting from the start, drawn alongside Spain, reigning champions Italy, and 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
Nevertheless, they garnered praise for their courageous performances.
They stunned Italy by scoring just 23 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal in Euros history. Despite eventually falling 2-1 to the Azzurri, they rallied in their second match to secure a 2-2 draw with Croatia, equalizing five minutes into stoppage time.
Against Spain, Albania fought valiantly, with substitute Broja posing a threat as they pushed for a goal that could have secured third place in the group and kept slim hopes of qualification alive.
However, Asllani fired a shot wide, and Broja missed an injury-time opportunity, signaling the end of their tournament.
Player of the match: Ferran Torres