International Matches - Under 21

Russia 1 - Spain 2

Russia: Dzhanaev; Parshivlyuk (Smolov 73'), Nababkin, Granat, Yatchenko; Taranov, Kiryl Kombarov, Dmitry Kombarov, Ryazantsev; Fayzulin, Prudnikov. 4-4-2.
Spain: Sergio Asenjo; Miguel Torres (Crespo 66'), Javi García, Piqué, Monreal; Raúl García, Javi Martínez; Sisi, Jurado, Granero (Mata 70'); Xisco (José Callejón 79'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 07. Xisco. Ran on to long pass and fired low shot past Dzhanaev.
0-2. 26. Jurado. Picked up Granero pass and fired shot past keeper.
1-2. 49. Dmitry Kombarov. Got on end of Fayzulin cross to score on far post.

Spain's under 21 side are virtually sure of a place in next summer's European finals after a 1-2 victory against their closest rivals, Russia. Ex Real Madrid coach López Caro was the man named to take over from Iñaki Sáez, and his side got off to the best possible start when Deportivo striker Xisco ran on to Granero's through ball to open the scoring in the seventh minute. And Atlético's Jurado got the second later in the first half, again after an assist from the Getafe winger.

Piqué had to clear off the line though from Kiryl Kombarov on the half hour mark, and his brother Dmitry Kombarov headed over close to half time. And Dmirti got one back just four minutes after the restart, turning the ball in to the net after Asenjo could only push out an effort from Fayzulin.

López Caro and Sáez brought on Mata and Callejón, and Jurado and Mata both had chances to increase the lead. Still a goal from Russia would have levelled it, but any hopes of a comeback ended when Granat and Kiryl Kombarov were sent off late on. Spain now just need one point from their two remaining games to qualify for next summer's finals, which will take place in Sweden.