MATCH REPORT | Spain shine in Türkiye to consolidate top spot (0-6)

With more than just three points at stake, Spain traveled to the always challenging Büyükşehir Belediye Stadium in Konya to face Türkiye. Before kickoff, both teams shared the top of Group E alongside Georgia, who had defeated Bulgaria hours earlier. The winner of this encounter would finish the second matchday as sole leaders after victories in their opening fixtures.

The presence of over 40,000 Turkish supporters and the deafening atmosphere did little to faze La Roja. Spain started the match with confidence and clarity in their approach, maintaining their trademark style. They built continuous attacking sequences as they probed Çakır’s goal. In the 5th minute, Nico Williams came close to opening the scoring, only to see his shot denied by a remarkable save. A minute later, Spain were rewarded as Pedri netted a superb goal from Nico’s assist, putting the visitors in control in Konya.

Spain maintained their intensity in pursuit of a second goal. Le Normand, Pedro Porro, and Lamine Yamal created clear opportunities but were thwarted by Çakır. In the 22nd minute, a swift one-touch move involving Pedri, Cucurella, and Oyarzabal ended with Merino slotting home to make it 2-0. Just two minutes later, Lamine Yamal went close again from the penalty spot, while further chances came for Nico Williams and Lamine.

Shortly before halftime, Nico Williams, struggling with discomfort, was replaced by Ferran Torres. Immediately afterwards, Spain struck again: Oyarzabal set up Pedri, who squared the ball for Merino to net his fifth goal in six appearances for the national team. With a 3-0 lead, referee Michael Oliver signaled the end of the first half.

Spain picked up where they left off in the second half, continuing to attack and threaten Çakır’s goal. Ferran Torres finished a well-worked move involving Pedri and Lamine Yamal, scoring his 22nd international goal in his 49th appearance. The scoring did not stop there: in the 57th minute, Mikel Merino completed a brilliant night with a stunning goal—control, turn, and a left-foot strike into the top corner—securing a memorable treble for La Roja.

Amid the rain falling over the Büyükşehir Belediye pitch came another downpour—the goals kept coming. Pedri scored again in the 63rd minute, assisted by Oyarzabal, to make it 6-0.

In the 68th minute, Luis de la Fuente handed debuts to Fermín and Jorge de Frutos, the latter making his first appearance under the coach. De Frutos now joins the list of 25 players who have debuted under the Riojan manager.

A superb team performance from a squad that consistently shows it can—and wants to—achieve more. Spain conclude this international window with six points from six, leading Group E alone as they progress towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In October, La Roja will face Georgia and Bulgaria at home in Elche and Valladolid.