After a disappointing draw with Cape Verde on matchday one, it was little surprise to see Luis de la Fuente restore Lamine Yamal to the starting XI.
The 18-year-old was dynamite from the get-go, transforming the Spanish side’s attacking output, and he reaped the rewards of his fast start inside the opening 10 minutes when he slid home at the far post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s pinpoint delivery.
Spain were purring against a shell-shocked Saudi Arabia, who hit self-implode when they could only half clear a corner and Oyarzabal was on hand to prod home to double the European champions’ lead.
The game was effectively ended as a contest after just 23 minutes, when Oyarzabal was again quickest to react in the box, turning home Dani Olmo’s flick-on at the far post to leave the Green Falcons pondering exactly where it all went wrong before the referee had even called the first drinks break.
The Spanish onslaught didn’t stop at any moment in the first half, and Oyarzabal ought to have grabbed his hat-trick when Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais passed the ball straight to him, but despite lobbing the ball over the stopper and towards the open goal, Oyarzabal’s inventive effort bounced away off the crossbar.
Even the half-time break didn’t deter the relentless Spanish onslaught, as they added a fourth within five minutes of the restart, albeit in rather fortuitous circumstances.
Marc Cucurella’s fierce strike forced Al-Owais to make a smart save, but his relief lasted little more than a millisecond as his stop ricocheted off the unfortunate Hassan Tambakti and into the back of the net.
Withdrawing the likes of Yamal, Oyarzabal and Pedri did stunt Spain’s momentum somewhat, but with the task at hand long since completed, De la Fuente took advantage of having the luxury.
One of his substitutes, Ferran Torres, fluffed a great chance to add a fifth when he broke in behind and skewed an effort wide. The Spanish frontman was even more unlucky in stoppage time when he converted Pedro Porro’s cross from close range, but a lengthy VAR check ruled he’d strayed a fraction offside.
That decision was inconsequential on the result, as Spain secured a victory which puts them firmly back on track to win the group, while Saudi Arabia’s chances of progressing now hinge on beating Cape Verde on matchday three.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
