Spain 2-0 Slovakia: Four things we learnt as La Furia Roja exact revenge

Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta scored in the first half to give Spain the 2-0 win top Group C in the Euro 2016 qualifiersSpain took a giant step towards next year’s Euro showpiece in France as they beat Slovakia with two unanswered goals in Oviedo. Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta were on target to fire La Roja back to the top of group C.Having ended up on the losing side in the reverse back in October, the defending European champions had all but revenge in their minds and got just that when the Barcelona duo struck in the first-half and put the tie effectively to bed. Spain now sit atop their group on goal difference and will attempt to get the job done by conquering Skopje on Tuesday as they play the hosts Macedonia. Here are some of the things we learnt as Vincente del Bosque’s side suffocated the visiting Slovakia side.

#1 Diego Costa continues to disappoint in Spanish colours

Diego Costa is yet to impress for Spain

Since switching allegiance to Spain from Brazil last year, striker Diego Costa has had a stinker whenever he has donned the red kit. A prolific scorer for his club sides, the Chelsea hitman has somehow always failed to replicate his imperious scoring prowess for his adopted country and the disappointment continued for him last night as well.

The 28-year-old did not have any attempts on goal and the threat he posed to the visiting defence was few and far between. Costa was clearly gasping for life in the attacking third and his only substantial contribution to the game was the penalty that he won, just as he did in the game against Netherlands in the World Cup last year.

He was finally put out of his misery mid-way in the second half when he was subbed in favour of Paco Alcacer. Costa’s inability to get on the scoresheet last night means that the former Atletico Madrid target man has now accrued just one strike in his Spanish career that is now nine caps old.

A really worrying stat for him.

#2 Jordi Alba proves his worth again

Jordi Alba scored in the fifth minute of the game with a diagonal run

The diminutive-but-dynamic left-back Jordi Alba dazzled on the night with his energetic displays down the left flank and contributed heavily in the attack. The Barcelona full-back fired on all cylinders and sent an indication of what we can expect from him in the coming days.

Alba had missed the initial few games for his club side on account of injury. But ever since his return to the fold, he has made them realise what they were just missing. His return brought back the brawn in the Catalan rearguard and dispatched chances in the same vein with his national side as well.

He set the tone for the rest of the game with a thumping header he struck in the 4th minute. His electrifying runs from the left wing left everyone breathless and sliced through the Slovakian defence as smoothly as a knife through the butter.

Alba was an integral member of the all-conquering Barcelona juggernaut last term and, looking at his current form, he still appears indispensable.

#3 Iker Casillas still up and running

Iker Casillas started the game with David De Gea on the bench

Spain skipper Iker Casillas stepped up to earn a staggering 163rd international cap. But for the first time in his career, he earned one as a non-Real Madrid player. The former Blancos custodian bid adieu to the capital contingent this summer and relocated to Portugal to join FC Porto.

Casillas was a subject of derision from the fans and media alike, when his erroneous performances under the bar brought him under great scrutiny. Real Madrid, after finishing last season empty-handed, decided to offload him, thereby ending their 25-year association with the shotstopper.

In his first international outing since, the 34-year-old looked absolutely perfect and put in a praise-worthy shift in between the posts for Spain. Although he had his task cut out when the home team restricted Slovakia to their own half for much of the time, Casillas was firm and commanding whenever the ball came his way.

It was a sound and comfortable game for Casillas, even though De Gea might start the next game as mentiond by coach Vicente Del Bosque.

#4 David Silva shines the brightest in red

David Silva was responsible for creating the first goal

Manchester City midfielder David Silva has always been lauded for his astute creativity and ingenuity. He is that vital cog in City’s well-oiled machine that keeps them ticking and he played a similar role last night for Spain as well.

Deployed on the right of the three-pronged attack, Silva wreaked havoc in the opposition defence with his tenacity and splendid proficiency on the ball. He twisted the Slovakia defence inside out and provided a great outlet from the front.

Silva laid a crisp lob to Alba that led to the opener and went on creating chances seamlessly in the game. In this kind of form, he is untouchable and can help Spain reclaim the glory of the past. And the same goes in the case of his club side, Manchester City.