The only goal of the match came in the eighth minute, when Juan Mata's cross-shot was deflected into his own net by Macedonian goalkeeper Tome Pacovski.

Las Roja are now two points clear of second-placed Slovakia and five clear of third-placed Ukraine with two rounds of fixtures remaining.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed on the night.

MACEDONIA

Goal

Tome Pachovski: Unfortunately played a major role in the only goal of the match. Was caught out by Mata's effort and could not stop the ball from hitting him and bouncing over the line. (6/10)

Defence

Vladica Brdarovski: Had a good battle with Diego Costa throughout the match and was also more than prepared to break forward. A solid display on just his third international appearance. (7/10)

Vanche Sikov: Quite comfortably the most experienced member of the Macedonian defence and certainly led by example. Strong in the tackle and up for the physical challenge. (7/10)

Kire Ristevski: Still in the very early stages of his international career, but went toe to toe with some of the top players in Europe. Did not look overawed at any point. (7/10)

Leonard Zhuta: Was more than prepared to break forward when the opportunity arose and also put in a strong display at the back. Part of what was a strong defensive performance. (7/10)

Midfield

Nikola Gligorov: At 32, was one of the senior figures in the team. Was not really involved in attacking sense, but provided plenty of protection to his back four. (6/10)

Milovan Petrovikj: A strong performance from the central midfielder. Came close with an effort in the first period and matched up to his more illustrious opponents. Should be delighted. (7/10)

Ferhan Hasani: Came close with a super free kick in the second period, which left Spain goalkeeper David de Gea stranded. Showed nice ability in possession of the ball. (7/10)

Attack

Stefan Askovski: Showed bits and pieces in the final third and was always willing to put the work in, but lacked that extra piece of quality when it mattered most. Replaced late on. (6/10)

Mirko Ivanovski: Worked hard in the final third of the field, but could not add to his one international goal. Was replaced 20 minutes from time in Macedonia's first change. (6/10)

Marjan Radeski: On just his fifth international appearance, the 20-year-old made a good impression. Was never afraid to take control of the ball and showed nice ability in possession. (7/10)

Substitutes

Aleksandar Trajkovski: One of the more well-known faces in the squad, the Palermo midfielder came on for the last 20 minutes and looked bright in the final third. (6/10)

Enis Bardi: Another from the next generation, the 20-year-old was given another taster of international football for the final 13 minutes. Looked confident in possession. (6/10)

Agim Ibraimi: Was a surprise that the 27-year-old did not start due to his goal-scoring threat and the Maribor attacker was only given the final five minutes of action here. (6/10)

SPAIN

Goal

David de Gea: Aside from a couple of routine catches and simple passes, did not have an awful lot to do on his first competitive appearance of the 2015-16 season. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Came closest to adding a second for Spain in the latter stages of the first period, but saw his goal-bound effort hit the crossbar. Did not get forward on many occasions. (6/10)

Sergio Ramos: Did not have an awful lot to do for long spells, but was not entirely comfortable during a couple of good spells for the home team. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Does not look too happy in a Spain shirt at the moment following recent criticism. Was solid enough, but his long-term future with the national team is unclear. (6/10)

Juan Bernat: One of Spain's better performers on the night. Was neat and tidy in possession and provided a real source of energy down the left. Made a good impression. (7/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: One of the midfielder's poorer games in recent memory. Was booked for a poor challenge on Hasani and conceded possession on far too many occasions. (6/10)

Isco: Given a chance to impress in a midfield position, but it did not really happen for the 23-year-old. Neat and tidy in possession, but did not create many chances. (6/10)

Santi Cazorla: A fairly underwhelming performance from the Arsenal midfielder, who flattered to deceive during his 68 minutes on the field. Struggled to make his mark in the final third. (6/10)

Attack

Juan Mata: Has not been awarded Spain's goal, but played a major role in his team's win. Was bright in possession and looked the most likely to make something happen in the final third. (7/10)

Diego Costa: Now just one goal in nine caps for Spain following another disappointing showing. Just never got into the game and was replaced just past the hour by Paco Alcacer. (5/10)

David Silva: Had a fine game against Slovakia, but this was a performance well short of the attacker's best. Neat and tidy, but nothing much out of the ordinary. (6/10)

Substitutes

Paco Alcacer: Another disappointing showing from Costa meant that the Valencia striker entered just past the hour. Will surely start against Luxembourg due to Costa's suspension. (6/10)

Koke: Was a big surprise that the Atletico Madrid midfielder did not start and he was only given the final 20 minutes here. Tidy in possession and is surely due a start. (6/10)

Andres Iniesta: Was only on the field little over 10 minutes, but immediately became Spain's best player as he sprayed a couple of beautiful passes. (7/10)