A Martin Dubravka howler helped Spain to an emphatic 5-0 win over Slovakia as Luis Enrique’s side eased into the last 16 of Euro 2020.
An under-fire Enrique made four changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Poland as Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Busquets, Eric Garcia and Pablo Sarabia started.
Spain started on the front foot, but once again proved to be wasteful as Alvaro Morata had a penalty kick saved by Dubravka.
However, the Slovakian hero soon became a villain as he inexplicably punched a high ball from a Sarabia strike against the bar into his own net.
Aymeric Laporte scored his first Spain goal to double the hosts’ advantage on the stroke of half time, getting on the end of a Gerard Moreno cross into the middle to loop a header into the top corner.
A third goal was added just before the hour mark when Jordi Alba picked out Sarabia in the middle with a low cross. The Paris Saint-Germain forward showed good composure to guide his finish off the inside of the post.
Ferran Torres was introduced off the bench and scored a fourth just 44 seconds later, flicking home a Sarabia cross, before Pau Torres forced an own goal from Juraj Kucka as Spain made it five.
While this comprehensive victory sent Spain into the last 16, it wasn’t enough for them to clinch first spot in Group E as Sweden’s 3-2 win over Poland saw them finish top of the standings instead.
Source: Eurosport