Spain 1-0 Albania: La Roja Player Ratings as Spain seal the group with 3 wins in 3 | UEFA Euros 2024
Spain beat Albania 1-0 on Monday, June 24, at the Dusseldorf Arena to make it three wins out of three matches and qualify for the knockouts as Group B winners. Having already secured qualification to the Round of 16, La Roja made 10 changes to the side that started against Italy.
The heavily rotated team found themselves struggling for chemistry in the initial phases of the game, but Ferran Torres changed the momentum with his 13th minute opener. The Barcelona forward provided a slick finish, getting on the end of a Dani Olmo pass. Albania tried to grab a hold of the game, but some sturdy defending allowed Spain to go into the break with a lead.
The game followed the same pattern in the second half, with Albania trying to get an equalizer, but Spain controlling possession. Armando Broja came closest to scoring for Albania, but David Raya made a strong stop to deny him. Spain breezed to victory to end the group stages as the leaders without conceding a single goal.
On that note, let's take a look at the player ratings for Spain:
Spain Player Ratings
David Raya - 7/10
David Raya proved that he can be counted upon whenever needed. The Arsenal shot-stopper was reliable between the sticks for Spain and made four saves in the game.
Alejandro Grimaldo - 7/10
Alejandro Grimaldo must have Marc Cucurella slightly worried as he showcased his offensive abilities while being well positioned at the back. He whipped in some good crosses into the box.
Aymeric Laporte - 6.5/10
Aymeric Laporte was the only player to keep his starting spot from the game against Italy. The former Manchester City defender did not have much trouble and was taken off at half-time.
Daniel Vivian - 8/10
Daniel Vivian was solid at the back. The 24-year-old dealt with everything that came his way and adapted to changes at the back very swiftly. Vivian won four duels, made six recoveries and six clearances, won two tackles, and completed the most passes (80) in the game.
Jesus Navas - 7/10
Navas got the opportunity to start and captain this young Spanish side and played like a veteran showcasing his years of experience. He was astute offensively as well as defensively. Navas created two chances, won three duels, made four clearances, and won two tackles.
Mikel Merino - 6/10
Mikel Merino wasted a couple of good chances, but combined well with Martin Zubimendi to suppress the opposition in the center. Got dominated by the Albanian midfielders in certain instances.
Martin Zubimendi - 7/10
Martin Zubimendi put in a solid shift in the center of the park. Physically might have struggled on numerous occasions, but covered a lot of ground to keep his side alive in the center.
Mikel Oyarzabal - 5/10
Mikel Oyarzabal did not make much of an impact. The left flank seemed less of an issue for Albania to deal with since he did not threaten to pull clear on any occasion.
Dani Olmo - 8/10
Dani Olmo enjoyed a great game upfront for Spain. The 26-year-old set up Torres' opening goal of the game. Apart from that, Olmo won seven duels, made five recoveries, completed three dribbles, made one clearance, created two chances, and made one interception.
Ferran Torres - 8/10
Ferran Torres capitalized on his start, scoring the only goal of the game to leave an impression. He was a constant threat on the ball. But even without it, Torress made some smart runs.
Joselu - 7/10
Joselu tried to be a constant presence in the box but was isolated upfront as the service was not very regular and the passing lanes were well covered by the Albanian defenders. Almost scored a stunner and was at the receiving end of most of the crosses into the box.
Substitutes
Robin Le Normand - 6/10
Struggled to find rhythm at the back and looked jittery.
Fermin Lopez - 6/10
A pretty sub standard performance as he did not see much of the ball.
Alvaro Morata - 6/10
Much like Joselu, Alvaro Morata couldn't make much of an impact as the box was overloaded with defenders.
Lamine Yamal - 7/10
Lamine Yamal had a bright cameo as he looked to trouble to the opposition players. His quick feet were entertaining and were difficult for tired Albanian legs to deal with.
Alex Baena - N/A
Did not have much impact on the game.