Julen Lopetegui’s project continues to gather steam as Spain head into 2017 top of Group G and unbeaten under their new boss.
Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Granada against Macedonia was not expected to present too many challenges to Spain in terms of threat from the visitors, however they were no pushovers.
The former Porto boss opted for a more-defensive lineup than expected; with Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all missing, he switched to a back four rather than the three-man unit fielded against Albania.
As expected, Spain dominated possession and found the Macedonians difficult to break down in the opening stages. They set out a clear defensive line on their own 18-yard box and challenged Spain to play through them. With Vitolo and Thiago Alcantara operating out wide, La Roja were regularly forced into midfield, leaving Alvaro Morata isolated and well-shackled up front.
The lead came through a fortuitous, first-half, Macedonia own goal, but the route came through a clear change of tact by Spain. Instead of looking to play Morata through centrally, they increasingly looked to go wide, with Vitolo, Thiago and Dani Carvajal attacking in wide areas.
The second goal – from Vitolo – again came from maintaining possession out wide through Thiago and Sergio Busquets, drawing Macedonia out of their structure and switching play quickly back into the middle to David Silva and then Vitolo.
More attacking wing play led to the third goal, with Carvajal’s deep cross tucked home by Nacho Monreal, again demonstrating the flexibility currently flowing through this side.
Aritz Aduriz added a late fourth goal, which was more like ‘vintage’ Spain from a fluid passing move, but the victory bore the hallmarks of a new Roja approach under Lopetegui.
The 50-year-old is more than aware of possession and creative being a part of Spain's footballing DNA, yet his focus on utilising wide areas shows a development on the traditional ideas, particularly with a new generation of players emerging.
Despite only registering as a friendly, Spain's clash with England at Wembley on Tuesday night had arguably received more attention than their competitive tie against Macedonia.
As expected La Roja made a number of changes from the side that was victorious in midweek, with only six players retained from that starting lineup.
Almost from kick-off, Spain struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of England, with Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Jamie Vardy causing their makeshift defence real problems and not allowing the midfield to settle.
Pepe Reina gave away a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes, on his first international start for over two years, as the visitors started slowly and lacked sharpness.
Spain almost looked shocked by England's energy levels; the hosts were more authoritative in possession and with Lopetegui’s men looking particularly uncertain at the back, a second goal looked likely.
Through the likes of Busquets and Juan Mata, who played the pass of the night to set up a chance for Vitolo, Spain did gain a foothold in game.
However they looked toothless in attack and nervous in defence, with Carvajal and Inigo Martinez both caught out by Vardy’s movement for England's second goal.
Again Spain looked shocked by the impact of England's intense forward play, but it did spark a reaction, with substitutes Koke and Iago Aspas both getting on the ball more.
Whilst it was not quite the Alamo from La Roja in the closing 20 minutes, they did show a real willingness to attack and expose the doubts beginning to grow in the England players.
Anything more than a late consolation goal looked beyond the visitors as the clock ticked down, however the new steely confidence shown by Spain under Lopetegui was key to eventually getting a result.
Aspas, so maligned during his time in England with Liverpool and his famous error in their Premier League title decider against Chelsea in 2014, deserved his spectacular late goal, after an excellent performance.
Likewise Isco, with his even-later equaliser having come off the substitutes bench, showed drive and determination not to let their unbeaten run slip away.
The Celta Vigo striker – called up to the squad due to Diego Costa’s injury – took his chance with both hands against England, with a performance filled with workrate and creativity, two key aspects of the new Spain.
Aspas, Isco, Vitolo, Monreal have all forced themselves into the reckoning in recent internationals, and Lopetegui has shown that he will pick the players he feels fit into his squad system, regardless of club.
Tactically, Spain struggled to create a rhythm against England, looking lethargic and at times careless, however the starting XI is likely to be changed significantly for 2017.
In spite of an indifferent performance, Lopetegui will be happy with the mentality shown by his team, and the return of an iron will to win will push Spain back towards the top.
