Spain's return to action following a miserable World Cup ended with more disappointment as France claimed a 1-0 victory on Wednesday night.
It was clear from the first whistle that the two sides were very evenly matched, but the defenders enjoyed superiority for long periods as a battle for control took place inside the Stade de France.
The winning goal finally arrived in the 73rd minute when Mathieu Valbuena pulled the ball back for Loic Remy, who picked out the top corner to secure a deserved win for the hosts.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good evening everyone. We've got another exciting match-up to bring you tonight as Spain take on France in a friendly. Have we seen the last of that fantastic Spain side? We may be given a glimpse of what is to come in their future tonight. Kickoff is in 30 minutes.
This really is an intriguing contest between these two sides. Spain hit rock bottom in Brazil as they crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage. Germany are the new champions, but can Vicente del Bosque's side get back to their best? They start their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Macedonia on Monday, so they'll be desperate to gain confidence from this match.
For France, it's all about continuing the good work already completed by Didier Deschamps and his players in recent months. They impressed with their displays on the way to the last eight in Brazil, but how far have they really come? As hosts tonight, the French supporters will be desperate to see the team take another step forward against the current European champions.
FRANCE: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra, Matuidi, Pogba, Sissoko, Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann
SPAIN: De Gea, Carvajal, Ramos, San Jose, Azpilicueta, Busquets, Cazorla, Koke, Fabregas, Garcia, Costa
Interesting selections from both managers. Antoine Griezmann and Mathieu Valbuena are the men trusted to provide support for Karim Benezema, who unsurprisingly starts in the centre of attack as Olivier Giroud continues his spell on the sidelines. There's no place for Yohan Cabaye as Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko make up the French midfield.
It's a slightly different look than we're used to seeing from Spain. Regulars Iker Casillas, Jordi Alba and David Silva start on the bench, and it will be fascinating to see how many of the them get back in the team for competitive matches. David de Gea is selected between the sticks, while there are also starts for Mikel San Jose and Raul Garcia. Chelsea's in-form striker Diego Costa leads the line for the visitors.
Will we see a change of style from Spain tonight? David Villa, Xavi and Xabi Alonso have all ended their international careers, and with the latter two being so crucial to their success over the years, we could witness Del Bosque approach things differently in midfield. However, it's hard to imagine Spain straying too far away from the tiki-taka philosophy.
Here is the full list of the players on the bench tonight.
France: Mandanda, Cabaye, Cabella, Lacazette, Mavuba, Mangala, Sagna, Digne, Remy, Mathieu, Schneiderlin, Ruffier
Spain: Casillas, Albiol, Bartra, Juanfran, Alcacer, Pedro, Iturraspe, Jordi Alba, Silva, Isco, Casilla
France have a lot longer to plan for Euro 2016 as they do not have to go through qualifying due to their status as hosts. After this match they'll take on Serbia this Sunday in another friendly. For the next two years it's going to be about finding the right personnel and balance for Deschamps, who I'm sure is quietly confident about building a side capable of challenging for the title in 2016.
PREDICTION: I'm expecting an entertaining night at the Stade de France. The hosts will be in the mood to impress following a promising World Cup, but I'm sure we'll be treated to a tight contest. I'll go for a 2-2 draw.
Both sets of players are out on the pitch now, and we've just heard the national anthems. It's very loud already inside the stadium. Plenty of excitement for this clash between two giants.
Here we go then! Spain will get this match underway.
Impressive start to the game by the hosts as France knock the ball around confidently in the first couple of minutes. No attacks for either side yet.
A long ball forward almost causes problems for France when Sakho miscues his clearance, but Costa is unable to react quick enough to gain possession.
A lovely passing move involving Garcia and Fabregas sees the ball clipped forward for Costa, who is shown that he will be in for a fight as Varane comes across to push the forward away from danger.
Clear signs in the early stages that France will look to attack frequently on the right as a Sissoko cross is punted away by Carvajal, who is making his debut this evening.
Sakho and Varane are making a point of hitting Costa with early challenges, and it's not going down well with the Chelsea forward. Excellent pace to the game at the moment, with both sides fighting for dominance in midfield.
SAVE! Good football from France as Valbuena finds a yard of space to release Benzema, whose low strike from a tight angle is well stopped by De Gea.
It goes from good to very bad for France as they allow Carvajal to jog down the right wing to collect a pass from Fabregas, but the full-back is unable to find a way past Lloris with his cross. France then charge up the other end, with Pogba hitting a weak effort straight at De Gea.
France are not allowing Spain a moment to relax in midfield as Evra comes forward to chop down Garcia from behind. Debuchy does well inside the box to clear the free kick which follows under pressure from Costa.
Not much to choose between these two sides early on. In truth, it hasn't really felt like a friendly inside the Stade de France, and the crowd are adding to the impressive atmosphere.
Painful moment for Debuchy close to the right touchline as Fabregas comes from behind to bring down the Arsenal defender. In a competitive match it's probably a booking, but Fabregas gets away with a telling off.
As we've seen on so many other occasions, Busquets is being asked to drop back a few yards to create a back three, which is allowing Carvajal and Azpilicueta to push further forward. France are looking comfortable in defence, with Varane standing out early on.
Carvajal is allowed to sprint forward with the ball once again on the right, and his cross threatens to create the first goal of the game. However, Costa can only land a glancing blow on the ball with his head, and France manage to clear.
Pogba has shown some excellent touches in the opening 20 minutes. France are always looking to him to start the attacks, but it's been a struggle to get Griezmann and Valbuena involved so far.
More brilliance from Pogba leaves Spain concerned in midfield and earns a free kick for the hosts. It's a good opportunity for France, but the chance is gone when Valbuena misses his teammates with the cross.
France are beginning to see more of the ball midway through the first half. Griezmann is starting to get involved by coming shorter to link with the midfield three, but Spain are doing a decent job of limiting the space on offer in the final third.
Good opening for France as Pogba delivers an inch-perfect pass into the box for Benzeman, who can only miscue his volley wide of the target while in plenty of space.
Evra probably should be cautioned, but he gets away with one after tripping Costa 25 yards from goal. Koke's free kick is delivered to San Jose, who struggles to make the intended contact at the back post. Fabregas then watches a deflected effort drift over the crossbar.
Worrying moment for Pogba inside his own half as Fabregas applies good pressure, but he recovers impressively. Spain have just started to step up the tempo, and are attempting to push further up the pitch.
We haven't seen enough of Cazorla and Garcia for Spain. The visitors are passing the ball around well again, but their creative players are finding it difficult to get involved in the final third.
Stunning work from Fabregas as he skips past a couple of defenders before seeing a promising move come to an end due to a poor touch inside the box. Spain need to see more of that if they're going to break down the French defence.
Sissoko is always looking to make runs on the right wing, but he's managed to lose possession on a couple of occasions, which has piled the pressure back on the hosts. His teammates are far from pleased after his latest error.
Much better from Sissoko, who uses his pace in a better area to win a free kick on the right wing. Valbuena has the ability to cause problems with a dead ball, but Spain battle well to survive the danger. It's not a great moment for Busquets, though, as he gets struck in the face by a Griezmann volley.
SAVE! A longer ball forward is directed at Griezmann, whose flick finds Benzema on the edge of the box, but De Gea saves the Real Madrid forward's strike easily.
Valbuena is starting to arrive in central positions in an attempt to link the midfield and attack, but he's often being tracked closely by Busquets. Both sides have enjoyed spells in charge of this game. However, we're still waiting for that crucial piece of quality to be unleashed.
It's Spain applying the pressure now as Cazorla and Costa link well on the edge of the box before Sakho steps in with a vital interception. France are showing that they can cause problems on the break, but it's been a poor night for Evra, whose terrible delivery sees a promising move come to an end.
Del Bosque will be happy with how his side are finishing the first half, but the visitors have often been left two on two at the back. The tempo has been increased again. Very few clear chances, though. Just the one minute of added time to be played.
HALF TIME: FRANCE 0-0 SPAIN
Intriguing 45 minutes at the Stade de France, but no goals yet. Both sides have enjoyed spells in charge, with France often looking more threatening on the break. We're seeing what appears to be two very evenly matched sides do battle tonight. The changes in the second half could make the difference.
It shouldn't be a surprise anymore to learn that Pogba is excelling in the centre of midfield. The Juventus ace has been the key figure for the France going forward, and created a couple of good chances for Benzema with his passing. At the back we've seen Varane display his obvious potential once again by keeping Costa relatively quiet.
In truth, Spain haven't really created a clear chance yet. Garcia and Cazorla have drifted in and out of the game, while Fabregas has been watched very closely by the French. Carvajal is enjoying himself on the right wing thanks to Evra's poor night at the office, but they've lacked a cutting edge around the box.
Changes are surely on the way soon. Spain return to competitive action on Monday, and Del Bosque is likely to rotate his key players with one eye on Macedonia. The likes of Cabaye, Loic Remy and Remy Cabella are on the bench for the hosts.
SUBSTITUTION: Ander Iturraspe is the only player to have been introduced for the start of the second half as he replaces Busquets. France get the game back underway.
Bright start to the second half from the hosts. A corner from the right just evades a couple of players before Varane heads over the crossbar on the stretch. Barely a half-chance for the defender.
Goal disallowed for France! It's superb play as Benzema knocks the ball back to Pogba, who then finds Sissoko on the right. Replays prove that Benzema was behind the ball when the cross was delivered, but his celebrations are cut short after tapping past De Gea.
That was a big let-off for Spain. France have been in charge in the early stages of the second half, and it was a lovely move involving Griezmann, Pogba and Sissoko. Benzema doesn't appear to be enjoying any luck this evening.
Deschamps will be delighted with what he's seeing here. At one stage, there is nine Spain players in the box as they clear another French attack. I wouldn't be surprised if Del Bosque looks to freshen things up soon.
Del Bosque looks concerned as he screams orders at his players. Pogba continues to stand out as he drops off a few yards to collect the ball and ensure that France remain in charge of this match. His passing has been a joy to watch tonight.
Certainly no sign that Spain are looking to move away from tiki-taka, but the ball just hasn't dropped for them in the right areas tonight. Cazorla looks to link with Garcia on the edge of the box before Varane steps in to make another clearance.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Garcia has struggled tonight, and his debut comes to an end to make way for the introduction of David Silva. There's also a change for France as Remy replaces Griezmann.
Silva is involved immediately as he weaves his magic inside the box before finding the pressure too hot to handle as Sakho comes across to clear the ball. There's been a few signs that Costa is beginning to get frustrated with the attention he is receiving from Sakgo and Varane.
Remy is being asked to keep the width by hugging the touchline on the left. Chelsea's recent signing has had a couple of nice touches since coming on, but he's unable to react in the box when a Valbuena free kick causes problems for the visitors.
SHOT! Pogba clips a lovely ball into the box for Matuidi, who does well to find the run of Valbuena. He cuts inside to earn more space, but can only drag his shot wide of the target.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Paco Alcacer is off the bench for his debut as he takes the place of Costa, while Fabregas makes way for Pedro. French duo Cabaye and Lucas Digne come on for Matuidi and Evra.
Carvajal wastes a good chance for Spain by gifting the ball to Cabaye when in a good position further up the pitch. We've had a quiet period in this match, but France still look the more likely to break the deadlock.
If Pedro can get involved, he could provide the key for Spain late on. The visitors are lacking pace going forward, and they've often seen promising moves break down on the edge of the box this evening. France continue to look relaxed at the back.
GOAL! FRANCE 1-0 SPAIN (REMY)
France break the deadlock! A long spell of Spain possession comes to nothing, and France move quickly in transition. Benzema's excellent flick finds Valbuena, and he calmly pulls the ball back for Remy, who fires an unstoppable effort into the top corner from just inside the box. Superb finish.
SUBSTITUTION: Fantastic reception for the creator of the goal as Valbuena makes way for Cabella.
France playing with confidence now as Pogba starts another attack with some more superb play. Cabella spots an opening from the edge of the area, but Ramos makes a crucial block. The home supporters are enjoying what they're seeing here.
Spain come agonisingly close to levelling the scores as Azpilicueta storms forward before delivering an inviting cross, which somehow manages to evade Pedro and Silva in the six-yard box.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Another change from each manager as Del Bosque replaces Cazorla with Isco, before Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin comes on for Sissoko.
Spain aren't sure how to handle Pogba at this late stage as he leaves three rivals behind him before sliding the ball towards Remy, who isn't quite quick enough to get past San Jose.
Cabella refuses to let the ball drift out of play on the left wing, and his persistence almost creates a chance for the hosts as Benzema gets dispossessed by San Jose with just De Gea left to beat.
CHANCE! Inches away from being 1-1 at the Stade de France. Silva turns smartly inside the box to earn a yard of space, but he can only watch as his low effort rolls wide with Lloris beaten.
Spain are running out of time to avoid another defeat. It may only be friendly, but the pressure will be on Del Bosque's shoulders if he returns to Spain with another loss on his record. Silva looks the most likely to do something special late on for the visitors.
Isco plays an excellent pass to split France's two central defenders, but Alcacer is unable to collect the ball before Lloris sprints off his line to end the move.
There's a break in play when Pogba clashes with Iturraspe in the air, but the Juventus midfielder, who surely has the man of the match award in the bank, will be fine to continue.
Spain's struggles continue as the fourth official confirms that there will be three minutes added on.
Debuchy may have just secured the win for France. Silva links superbly well with Isco, and the latter looks set to find the back of the net until Debuchy steps in with an excellent tackle. France quickly break in numbers, but Benzema is denied a second when De Gea makes a good block.
Pogba delights everyone in the stadium with a stunning piece of skill to leave two Spain defenders perplexed in the corner of the pitch. France twice come close to breaking through, but Cabella loses control at the vital moment.
FULL TIME: FRANCE 1-0 SPAIN
It's all over inside the Stade de France. Spain were supposed to be returning to their best tonight, but they've been beaten by the better side. It was tight for long periods, and it took a superb finish from Loic Remy for the two teams to be separated. France continue to improve following a promising World Cup. A very pleasing night for Didier Deschamps and his players.
That's all four our coverage this evening. I hope you enjoyed following the game with Sports Mole. Match analysis and player ratings on the way soon. Goodnight.
