Spain Under-21s have risen to the top of their 2019 Under-21 European Championship qualifying group courtesy of a 1-0 win over Iceland Under-21s in Murcia on Thursday night.
There were plenty of familiar faces in the Spain XI, with Real Madrid trio Borja Mayoral, Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos all selected.
Valencia's brilliant young midfielder Carlos Soler also started, as did Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal. Meanwhile, on-loan Manchester City defender Pablo Maffeo, who has been excellent for Girona this season, featured at right-back.
As for the visitors, 19-year-old Axel Oskar Andresson, who has made two first-team appearances for Championship outfit Reading this season, started at the back.
It was the home side that had the first shot of the match inside three minutes, but Villarreal midfielder Rodri saw his effort whistle over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, Mayoral had a golden chance to send Spain ahead after meeting a cross from Maffeo, but Iceland goalkeeper Sindri Olafsson made a quite outstanding save.
Iceland had a chance of their own in the 11th minute following a quick counter-attack, but Mikael Anderson saw his effort saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Spain had to wait until just before the 30-minute mark to come close once again - Soler picking out Fabian with a cross from the right, but the 21-year-old sent his effort wide, before Soler just missed the post with a low strike moments later.
Mayoral also missed two big chances in the latter stages of the first period, with the Real Madrid forward heading wide from close range before firing one over the crossbar from inside the Iceland box.
Spain finally made the breakthrough in the 36th minute, however, when Fabian's long-range strike ended up in the far corner of the net.
Ceballos came close to doubling the home side's lead early in the second period, but the Real Madrid midfielder's curling effort just dropped wide of the Iceland post.
Ceballos had two more opportunities before the hour mark, but saw his first deflected over the crossbar, before firing a free kick into the stands. Mayoral then had one cleared off the line in the 64th minute as Iceland somehow stayed in the match.
The hosts had opportunities to double their lead in the latter stages, but as it transpired, one goal proved enough to secure three vital points after Magnus Karlsson missed a big chance for the visitors in stoppage time.
Next up for Spain is a clash with Slovakia Under-21s next week, while Iceland will look to return to winning ways when they visit Estonia Under-21s.
Matt Law
Spain U21s
