Spain attacker Nolito has said that patience was key in Sunday's 2-0 win over Albania in Shkoder.

Despite dominating the first 45 minutes of the 2018 World Cup qualifier, Spain could not make the breakthrough against an Albania side that entered the match top of Group G.

Diego Costa broke the deadlock early in the second period, however, before Nolito came off the bench to grab a second as Spain took control of the section after three matches.

"With 11 men sitting deep, it's not at all easy, but we were up to the task and the victory is good for us," Nolito told TVE. Albania has a good team and their players understand their game.

"A lot of teams will shut up shop against us, but we have to take them on with our philosophy."

Spain have collected seven points from their three World Cup qualifiers to date, with that total enough to see them top the group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Italy.