Spain Under-21s have recorded a 3-1 victory over Portugal Under-21s to all but qualify for the semi-finals at Under-21 Euro 2017.
Saul Niguez and Sandro Ramirez put Spain into a two-goal advantage, only for Bruma to halve the deficit with a stunning volley after coming on as a substitute.
However, Inaki Williams made sure of the win with a late third to leave Spain just a point from ensuring that they will take their place in the last four.
Read below to see how the action unfolded in Gdynia
Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match at Under-21 Euro 2017 between Portugal Under-21s and Spain Under-21s.
After Serbia Under-21 and Macedonia Under-21s played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, it is now the turn of the best two teams in the group who have aspirations of finishing in top spot in Group B. Spain are the favourites to prevail but do not count out Portugal, who are always motivated to try to get one over their rivals. This could be a real cracker of a contest.
In terms of the group, Serbia and Macedonia are effectively out of the equation and it leaves these two teams fighting it out for top spot. Due to their superior goal difference, a draw will be enough for Spain ahead of their last game with Serbia, but Portugal will qualify for the last four should they win this evening and get past Macedonia.
Anyway, enough rambling for now. It is time for some team news. You may recognise a few of the players involved.
PORTUGAL UNDER-21s: Varela; Cancelo, Ie, Ruben Semedo, Rodrigues; Carvalho, Neves, Fernandes; Sanches, Podence; Guedes
SPAIN UNDER-21s Kepa; Bellerin, Vallejo, Mere, Jonny; Llorente, Niguez; Asensio, Ceballos, Deulofeu; Sandro
The main news coming from the Portugal changing room is the inclusion of Renato Sanches, who is given a starting role after only being among the substitutes three days ago. Diogo Jota is the man to drop out. Newcastle United and Southampton fans also get another chance to take a look at Ruben Semedo, who they missed out on in the transfer market as he opted for Villarreal instead.
As for Spain, two alterations have been made from their 5-0 demolition of Macedonia. Denis Suarez is a surprise omission for Dani Ceballos, while Jonny Castro is in for Jose Luis Gaya at left-back. Marco Asensio was the star of the show in their previous game and we can probably expect more of the same tonight.
PREDICTION! While Portugal have plenty of talent at their disposal, we cannot back against Spain here. They are stacked with talent, especially in attacking areas, and we think they will run out 3-1 winners in Gdynia.
It's time for the teams to make their way out. There's a lot more supporters in attendance for this one than there was for Serbia versus Macedonia...
Spain get us underway.
BOOKING! It has been a positive start from the Portuguese without looking like threatening a shot on goal. However, they already have a man in the book with Neves lunging in wildly on Ceballos.
SHOT! More good play from Portugal and after a cross is only half-cleared, Fernandes drills a volley a couple of yards over the crossbar. He's a little bit disappointed. He felt as though he could test Arrizabalaga.
Aside from a couple of crosses into the penalty area, we have not seen much of Spain. We are keeping an eye on Ramirez, who is very likely to sign for Everton in the coming days.
WOODWORK! Portugal hit the post! Podence tries his luck from distance and his strike hits the inside of the post and is cleared. Arrizabalaga was beaten in the Spain goal.
It would be harsh on Spain to suggest that Portugal are outplaying them, but they are definitely controlling the pace of this game. When Spain do get hold of the ball, it is back in their own half. They are effectively having to play on the break.
We are finally starting to see Spain play the kind of patient game they would have been hoping to begin this contest with. However, their first move breaks down with one player being needlessly offside.
GOAL! Portugal Under-21s 0-1 Spain Under-21s (Saul)
The eventual finish takes a big deflection past the goalkeeper but forget that, this is a sensational goal from Saul. He nutmegs his closest marker before taking on a further three players before finding the bottom corner from just inside the area. Spain lead against the run of play.
SHOT! Portugal almost find an instant response through Guedes, but he hooks his shot wide from 20 yards. Portugal have been the better team but Spain are fully into their stride now.
SHOT! Portugal are certainly not shy to get shots away from distance. Fernandes is the next to try his luck but it's too close to Arrizabalaga.
We reach the half-hour mark with Portugal continuing to be the better team and who are creating the better opportunities, but with Spain ahead through that Saul's goal. Remember, a draw won't be good enough for Portugal, so they effectively need at least two goals to remain in the tournament.
SHOT! We have not seen much of Deulofeu but he almost extends Spain's advantage with a super effort from the corner of the penalty area. He tried to curl the ball into the far corner, but it missed the target by a couple of yards.
CHANCE! This should probably be 2-0. Asensio leads a break down the right-hand side and is through-ball finds the run of Bellerin. The Arsenal full-back gets his shot away but his effort is too close to Varela.
SHOT! Sandro has remained on the periphery of this game but he should at least hit the target here, perhaps even score. He got a half-volley away on the edge of the penalty area but he could only direct his strike from 20 yards wide of the post.
SHOT! The handling of Arrizabalaga has been very impressive, and he does well here to get hold of Cancelo's attempt from distance.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME: Portugal Under-21s 0-1 Spain Under-21s
The half-time whistle goes and Spain lead thanks to Saul's excellent individual effort. Portugal have been much the better side but they have work to do to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Portugal get us back underway.
CHANCE! Portugal should equalise. Fernandes is able to get a free shot away from 20 yards but his swerving effort is straight at Arrizabalaga, who manages to get something in the way.
CHANCE! Fernandes has been superb this evening but he still can't get his name on the scoresheet. He cut inside onto his right foot after a mistake in the Spanish defence but he couldn't find the far corner with his curling effort.
CHANCE! How have Spain not doubled their advantage? Bellerin passes when he should shoot but the ball falls to Asensio all on his own around 14 yards out. His strike beats the goalkeeper but Edgar makes a remarkable block on the line!
BOOKING! Ceballos goes into the book for Spain after a late challenge in the centre of the pitch. The referee did not need to think twice about that.
SHOT! Another shot at the Spain goal, another effort kept out by Arrizabalaga. Sanches makes a sweet connection with his half-volley but it is far too close to the goalkeeper.
We are reaching the stage of the game where Portugal could really do with an equaliser. Spain will qualify with a win and move to the brink of progress with a draw. They are creating the chances but not producing the end product.
GOAL! Portugal Under-21s 0-2 Spain Under-21s (Ramirez)
So yeah, Portugal definitely need to score quickly now. Spain net their second and that could be that as far as Portugal's hopes are concerned. Deulofeu's low cross finds the run of Ramirez and he is able to convert at the near post.
I can see Spain nicking a third before the end of this game. Portugal are playing a very high line as they look to force the issue and Spain are ready to counter attack at the earliest opportunity.
BOOKING! Asensio is fuming and rightly so. Fernandes has just gone straight down his Achilles. The midfielder will now be suspended for his side's final group fixture.
BOOKING! Portugal are growing very frustrated. Paciencia goes into the book for a foul off the ball as Bellerin tried to get forward.
GOAL! Portugal 1-2 Spain (Bruma)
Portugal halve the deficit in the most stunning fashion. Bellerin cleared a cross to the edge of the box but Bruma has just sent a volley from all of 25 yards into the corner. It's an outrageous strike. Game on!
BOOKING! Semedo will also be suspended for the final group match. He receives a yellow for moaning at the assistant.
SHOT! While Portugal remain intent on attacking when they can, Spain are ready to catch them out at the other end and they almost net a third. A neat flick from Suarez in the penalty area but his low shot across goal just missed the far post.
Portugal are still pushing but Spain are defending in numbers, while still keeping two men in attack. I'd be surprised to see another goal...
There will be three minutes of added-on time.
GOAL! Portugal Under-21s 1-3 Spain Under-21s
With the last kick of the game, Williams scores a third. After racing forward from the halfway line, he kept his composure to find the bottom corner from around 16 yards.
FULL TIME: Portugal Under-21s 1-3 Spain Under-21s
The full-time whistle goes and Spain all but assure their place in the semi-finals with an excellent 3-1 win. Portugal matched them in all departments, aside from in front of goal where the tournament favourites were clinical. Only a heavy defeat to Serbia will prevent them from progression.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
Spain U21s
