Logrono: Spain were too hot to handle for minnows Liechtenstein as they secured a 6-0 victory in Logrono to ensure their qualification for next summer's European Championships, a competition the nation won last time around.
Alvaro Negredo opened the scoring on 33 minutes before doubling the lead four minutes later. Xavi's free-kick made it three at the break before Sergio Ramos' volley and a David Villa brace completed the scoring.
Spain sit top of Group I on 18 points following six wins from six and have an unassailable lead ahead of second-placed Czech Republic.
Vicente Del Bosque's men made a lively start to proceedings and came close to opening the scoring in the second minute. After a slick passing move, David Villa slid a clever through ball to Alvaro Negredo who was unable to direct the ball into the back of the net, despite side-stepping the goalkeeper.
The World and European champions continued to see the majority of play but struggled in the early stages to create clear-cut chances and had to wait until the 28 minute for another decent opportunity. Negredo's precise pass found Juan Mata in space 10 yards out yet the Chelsea playmaker struck the ball into the keeper's arms - a real let off for the away nation.
However, the Spanish did not have to wait long until the deadline was broken when Negredo opened the scoring on 33 minutes. The Sevilla man controlled a long Xavi pass just inside the box before smashing the ball high into the net, past the helpless Peter Jehle for his fifth international goal.
Four minutes later, Negredo grabbed his second of the game courtesy of some wonderful skill from Villa. Andres Iniesta's defence-splitting pass found Villa who did brilliant to back-heel the ball into the path of Negredo who made no mistake in sliding the ball home.
Spain were three goals to the good in the 44th minute when Xavi's free-kick from the edge of the box curled into the top corner, leaving Jehle rooted to his spot.
The second-half resumed with Del Bosque's side in the ascendancy and Sergio Ramos made it four on 51 minutes. Iniesta's cross was flicked on by Negredo with Ramos left with the simple task of volleying the ball into the net from six yards out.
It was five in the 60th minute as Liechtenstein began to tire. Mata's pace down the right wing was too much to handle for Franz Burgmeier with the playmaker then choosing to cut the ball back to Villa who placed the ball into the bottom corner for his 48th international goal.
In the 79th minute Villa grabbed his second of the night to move one goal away from half a century for his nation. Sergio Busquets' free-kick evaded all Liechtenstein defenders as Villa volleyed the ball past Jehle from four yards out to complete the rout.
Next up for Spain is a visit to the Czech Republic on September 7 while Liechtenstein entertain Scotland the following night.
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