Hello there and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of Spain's clash with Malta. Luis Enrique's side will look to continue their perfect start to the 2020 European Championship qualifying campaign at the Ta’Qali National Stadium. Spain opened up their campaign with a 2-1 win over Norway while 10-man Malta secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Faroe Islands on Saturday, their first home win in 13 years. It looks like Sergio Ramos will be leading the charge once more for the Spanish team. Full team news to follow...
Euro Qualifying / Matchday 2
National Stadium / 26.03.2019
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Updated 26/03/2019 at 21:35 GMT
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- Highlights
FT
FULL TIME! In the end, there was never likely to be a shock here at the Ta’Qali National Stadium, and so it proved.
Spain run out comfortable winners courtesy of Alvaro Morata's brace. It could have have been far worse for the hosts, and they'll take this 2-0 defeat as Spain go clear at the top of Group F.
93'
SAVE! Bonello can be pleased with his work tonight as he springs to his right and saves from Asensio.
92'
OVER! Michael Mifsud tries something adventurous from distance and this is the closest the Malta have come as his rigjht-foot shot from 25 yards sails over Kepa's crossbar.
90'
We're into four minutes of stoppage time as Rodrigo is penalised for a late challenge on Borg.
86'
Spain
WIDE! That's Spain's 21st attempt and it really should be 3-0. Rodrigo runs into the box before unselfishly setting by Roberto but he drags his effort to the right of Bonello's left-hand post!
85'
SUB! Caruana has hobbled off for the final few minutes. He's had enough after having to stay concentrated for so long, and he is replaced by Micallef.
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On
K. Micallef
Malta
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Off
J. Caruana
Malta
82'
The game has lost its edge since Spain's second goal and it's a training ground match now for the visitors. They keep the ball deep in Malta's half before Rodri looks to cross from the right but Malta win the goal-kick. Rodri has had a good game in the Busquets role.
79'
Spain
SUB! Morata is not going to get his hat-trick as he makes way for Rodrigo. To be fair, he'll be happy with the two he has scored. The Spain fans sing his name, a good night's work.
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On
Rodrigo
Spain
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Off
Á. Morata
Spain
77'
SAVE! It's now a case of how many Spain can score as Morata looks to find space inside the box, the ball trickles loose for Ramos from distance, and his firm right-foot drive is beated away by Bonello!
73'
GOAL! Malta 0-2 Spain
That secures the three points for Spain as Morata rises at the far post to meet Jesus Navas' cross and head in the second! He was left unmarked and now he is hunting the match ball.
It was the perfect ball in from Navas and this is turning into a very pleasing night for the maligned striker.
Goal
Á. Morata
Spain
70'
SUB! Michael Mifsud, Malta's record appearance maker and goalscorer, as well as a one-time Coventry City striker is on for Malta. They're going to go for this in the final 20 minutes.
67'
CHANCE! Credit to Malta, they've certainly been no pushovers as Hermoso claims he has his shirt pulled at the corner, but referee Dallas waves away his protests. The ball ran through to Morata, but it kicks off his shins and goes out for a goal-kick.
66'
Malta
Malta use the break in play to make their first alteration as Rowen Muscat replaces Jospeh Mbong.
Incidentally, Sergi Roberto has dropped into midfield for Spain allowing Navas to take up his familiar right-sided berth.
On
R. Muscat
Malta
Off
J. Mbong
Malta
65'
Spain
It's a second change for Spain as Saul Niguez - who has been so below par this evening - is replaced by the right winger Jesus Navas.
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On
J. Navas
Spain
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Off
Saúl
Spain
61'
Spain
CHANCE! And still Spain can't find the second goal! Roberto is again free down the right, he tees up Asensio, and after his left-foot shot is saved by Bonello, Saul's rebound deflects over the bar!
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Image credit: Getty Images
59'
SAVE! The frustration is written all over the face of Marco Asensio after Spain's best move of the match. Rodrigo shows great vision to spot the run of Seri Roberto down the right. He lays the ball into Asensio's path first-time but the midfielder scuffs his shot into the gloves of Bonello.
58'
Spain
WIDE! Morata rises above Borg to meet Sergi Roberto's cross but he can't get the necessary diferction as he glances the ball a good couple of yards wide of the psot. He's got his goal, but it's still far from convinving from the striker. He should've had a hat-trick!
57'
Spain
SUB! Here comes Spain's first change of the night and it's Juan Bernat who makes way for Iker Muniain.
55'
This is much better from Borg as he shows real composure to chest Asensio's cross from the right back to Bonello with Bernat on his shoulder.
FOUL! He now catches Saul right on the edge of the penalty area, and that has to be a final warning from Dallas. Ramos' free-kick doesn't threaten the goal as the wall does its job!
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Image credit: Getty Images
51'
FOUL! Referee Andrew Dallas has been reluctant to show his cards tonight, but you do wonder if his patience is running out as that's a bit of a naughty challenge from Borg on Gaya.