Spain had a flawless begin to World Cup qualifying with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bulgaria on the Stadion Vasil Levski, a end result that places Luis de la Fuente’s facet prime of Group E.
All three objectives got here in a devastating first-half show that left the hosts chasing shadows and the scoreline might simply have been heavier.
It took La Roja simply 5 minutes to search out the breakthrough. Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi threaded a through-ball into the trail of Mikel Oyarzabal, who slotted previous Dimitar Vutsov to make it 1-0.
Spain doubled their lead on the half-hour mark by way of an unlikely supply. A Yamal cross was solely half-cleared and fell kindly for Marc Cucurella, who unleashed a thunderous drive from contained in the field that arrowed into the highest nook.
Seven minutes later, Spain wrapped up the factors. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger who was a menace all through, swung in a nook that Mikel Merino rose highest to fulfill, guiding a header past Vutsov for 3-0.
Bulgaria briefly threatened by way of Radoslav Kirilov, who struck the publish halfway by way of the half after turning sharply contained in the Spanish defence. However Ilian Iliev’s facet not often noticed the ball and completed the match with simply 22% possession and an anticipated objectives tally of 0.10 – a stark distinction to Spain’s 24 makes an attempt, 78% possession, and xG of three.33.
The second half adopted the identical sample, although Spain’s crowning glory abandoned them. Yamal got here closest, first denied by Vutsov after capitalising on a defensive mistake, and later seeing one other tame effort pushed away by the Bulgarian goalkeeper.
Merino additionally pressured an outstanding save, his highly effective strike tipped onto the bar in what proved to be Bulgaria’s let-off.
Luis de la Fuente used the comfy cushion to rotate his facet, introducing Dani Olmo, Rodri and Dani Carvajal amongst others.
Olmo thought he had an opportunity so as to add a fourth late on however was halted by the referee’s whistle after minimal contact on Gruev contained in the field.
On the different finish, substitute Vladimir Nikolov’s promising run was lower quick by the offside flag, Bulgaria’s frustration summed up by their failure to muster a shot on the right track.
