Действущий чемпион побеждает

The reigning European Championship holders rounded off their qualification campaign with victory, meaning they have picked up 27 points from a possible 30 in Group C

Captain Cesc Fabregas missed a penalty on his 100th international appearance as Mario Gaspar's debut goal earned Spain a 1-0 win over Ukraine in Kiev on Monday.

With Spain having already sealed their Euro 2016 place, the Chelsea man skippered a youthful XI but failed to cap his special night with a goal, instead seeing a penalty saved after defender Mario scored the crucial strike midway through the first half.

The Villarreal full-back was one of two debutants in the visitors' defence, alongside Xabi Etxeita, but his well-taken header was enough to limit Ukrainian hopes of progression. Second-placed Slovakia did enough to go through with a 4-2 win in Luxembourg.

Fabregas should have made life more comfortable but failed to double the lead, with Mykhaylo Fomenko's side refusing to give up hope of snatching a top-two position after falling behind.

The 28-year-old - playing in front of a watching Jose Mourinho - was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark having missed his fourth spot-kick for Spain in as many attempts.

While it was a frustrating evening for Fabregas, the likes of Mario and Nolito bolstered their chances of featuring in France next year with strong displays, and David de Gea pulled off a string of impressive saves to leave Ukraine having to negotiate the play-offs.

Debutant Mario endured a tricky start in Kiev. He was outfoxed down the left early on by Artem Kravets, who cut inside and crossed only to see Ruslin Rotan fail to add the finish in the area.

Milestone man Fabregas had Spain's first chance when he collected Isco's pass, surged through the middle, and fired narrowly over the crossbar nine minutes in.

Having first saved from Kravetz, De Gea then produced a magnificent reflex stop to deny Rotan with his right foot, before Mario headed Spain into the lead.

Thiago Alcantara and Nolito combined down the left before the Bayern Munich man found Mario at the far post to ensure a dream debut for the full-back.

Just a minute later, Fabregas looked set to celebrate his landmark appearance with a goal having been fouled in the area by Oleksandr Kucher, but Andriy Pyatov produced a strong right-handed save to deny the skipper from the spot.

Spain were almost pegged back when Denys Garmash headed over amid pinball in the Spain box, with De Gea clearing a dangerous whipped free-kick from the left on the stroke of half-time.

And Fomenko's men brought that momentum into the second half as the lively Andriy Yarmolenko twice went close to levelling, while Spain had the ball in the net courtesy of Mikel San Jose prior to the hour mark only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

De Gea again showed his quality to palm away another Garmash header as Ukraine's increased pressure coincided with Luxembourg fighting back from 3-0 down to within a goal of Slovakia.

However, there was to be no turnaround in Luxembourg - Slovakia re-establishing a two-goal cushion - and Spain's much-changed back line shut out the hosts to extend their winning run to five matches.

•  

   

  Full time in Kiev. Spain continue their qualifying fixture winning streak and comfortably top Group C after successfully coming out narrow 1-0 winners against Ukraine, who are forced into settling for a play-off spot. The solitary goal on the night came from an unlikely force in the form of Mario Gaspar, who netted a lovely header in the first half to deal the win. There is a chance we may indeed see both these sides in Euro 2016, but the play-offs await the hosts tonight! I'm Martin Macdonald, thanks for joining us, see you next time!
• 90'

   

  SAVE FROM DE GEA! Another goalmouth scramble ensues inside the Spanish box and the ball eventually breaks do Rybalka, who hist a snapshot towards the bottom corner. A nick off a defender makes it hard for the Manchester United keeper, but he gets down to smother it nonetheless.
• 88'

   

  Yellow CardDavid de Gea
• 88'

   

  De Gea is the latest player to go into the book and it is rather stupidly for wasting time even though Spain do not need to win this clash. They of course want to win, but not at the risk of suspensions needlessly popping up.
• 87'

   

  SubstitutionArtem Kravets Yevhen Seleznyov
• 87'

   

  SubstitutionRuslan Rotan Oleksandr Zinchenko
• 86'

   

  STEPANENKO HITS OVER! A chance comes out of nowhere as the Ukrainian midfielder receives a break of the ball inside the box, allowing him to fire an awkward volley aimed at the top corner. It may have took a deflection on the way through and just evades the net!
• 85'

   

  SubstitutionPaco Alcácer Busquets
• 84'

   

  Third and final change from Del Bosque now and it sees Paco Alcacer come off to be replaced by Sergio Busquets, who will just add a little more steel and composure to the midfield in these latter stages. Spain now playing without a recognised striker after the Valencia man's departure.
• 82'

   

  Ukraine manage to pin back Spain into their own box and keep them there for a few moments with a decent period of sustained possession. The attack breaks down though as Rybalka tries his luck from distance, only to see his attempt fly over high and wide. Disappointing.
• 80'

   

  Isco and Alba link-up with a scintillating couple of one-twos down the left channel and the former then cheekily nutmegs the oncoming Stepanenko, who is once again very lucky to escape a booking as he takes out the Real Madrid star. He won't get another one of those.
• 78'

   

  You would have been forgiven for expecting a bit of a Ukraine onslaught in these latter stages, but Spain have been very professional in their attempts to see out the game with their short passing came, which is definitely frustrating the home side here.
• 77'

   

  Yellow CardArtem Fedetskiy
• 76'

   

  Ukraine are running out of time to put themselves into the running for an automatic qualification spot. They can get their via second if Slovakia slip up against Luxembourg, but only if they can turn this clash around on their home turf against La Roja.
• 75'

   

  SubstitutionNolito Jordi Alba
• 74'

   

  Another change from Spain now and it sees Nolito, who has been impressive, replaced by Barcelona left-back, Jordi Alba, who will more than likely be deployed in a more advanced role down that left touchline. Lets see if he can make an impact.
• 72'

   

  Thiago robs Kruvets of possession just outside the centre circle and drives forward before evading two tackles with a quite brilliant Marseille turn. Unfortunately for him though, his next touch is uncharacteristically heavy which allows Kucher to step in and win the ball.
• 70'

   

  Some worrying scenes for La Roja, and indeed for Real Madrid, as Nacho is currently down in quite a bit of pain after seeing Kruvets land right on top of his foot near the metatarsals. Thankfully, after composing himself for a few moments, he manages to get to his feet.
• 68'

   

  Ukraine have cause for optimism here as they can take heart from the fact they have managed to create a plethora of chances against Spain, but they have came up against a very much in-form goalkeeper in David De Gea. I'm sure they won't give up the fight!
• 66'

   

  Well, there may have been a spanner just thrown in the works in Group C, as Luxembourg have scored two in quick succession against Slovakia, which means the scoreline is now 3-2! This news will certainly buoy the home crowd in Kiev here! There can't be a turnaround in both games, can there?
• 64'

   

  SubstitutionCesc Fàbregas Juan Mata
• 64'

   

  First change of the match from Del Bosque now and it sees the centurion, Fabregas, who will probably not have particularly fond memories of his 100th cap due to his penalty miss, come off to be replaced by Juan Mata, who takes the captain's armband.
• 62'

   

  Just under 30 minutes remaining in the final Euro 2016 fixtures of Group C as Ukraine attempt to come back from behind against the mighty La Roja in order to put their name in the hat for the best third-placed team. With the play-off position secured, they have absolutely nothing to lose!
• 60'

   

  Yellow CardTaras Stepanenko
• 60'

   

  As mentioned previously, Ukraine have a play-off position in the bag with Slovakia having near enough sewn up second place. However, Mikhail Fomenko's men can throw their name into contention for the best third-placed team if they can manage to defeat the current European champions, Spain, here in this clash. Still plenty to play for!
• 58'

   

  SubstitutionDenys Garmash Serhiy Rybalka
• 58'

   

  Considering the circumstances in which both teams basically know their fate at the end of the group, we are being treated to a brilliantly entertaining end-to-end clash with Ukraine and Spain throwing everything at the opposition goals. No friendly here!
• 56'

   

  GOOOOOAAAAAALLLL FOR SPAIN! WAIT! NO! FOUL GIVEN! A goalmouth scramble ensues and San Jose eventually fires a superb finish high into the roof of the net, but he is denied an international goal as the referee brings play back for a previous tackle on Yarmolenko. Harsh, but probably the correct decision!
• 54'

   

  Another booking now and it is a deserved one for San Jose as he hacks down Stepanenko to halt a prospective Ukraine counterattack. The yellow card tally is just on the rise now, and there will be a few players who wouldn't want to risk any kind of suspension.
• 53'

   

  Yellow CardSan José
• 52'

   

  YARMOLENKOOO! UNLUCKY! The Dynamo Kiev winger dashes down the right wing before cutting inside on his cultured left foot before smashing a powerful strike at goal. De Gea looks like he has it covered but he is saved by the post regardless as the strike cannons off the woodwork!
• 50'

   

  Thiago exchanges a neat one-two with Fabregas around 25 yards from goal and the former moves forward before looking to dance into the area with a couple of clever stepovers, but ends up losing possession as Stepanenko stabs the ball clear.
• 48'

   

  Should be very interesting to see the mindset of Ukraine for this second half has they will likely have heard the current scoreline in the Slovakia game, meaning that they will have to settle for a play-off place in the group. The expectant home fans will still be eager to see a good performance, though.
• 46'

   

  We are back under way in this Euro 2016 qualifier!
•  

   

  Half time in Kiev. Ukraine have put in a commendable performance against this much-changed Spain team, but one lapse in defence sees them head into the break 1-0 down after a goal from the Roja right-back, Mario. It could have been worse but Pyatov saved a penalty from Fabregas, whilst De Gea also impressed between the sticks by denying Garmash with a fantastic save. With Slovakia winning 3-0 versus Luxembourg, the group positions are pretty much sealed. Join us for the second period in a few minutes!
• 44'

   

  Thiago is playing with fire here as he goes in late on Konoplyanka down the left wing, whilst already being on a yellow card. Luckily for the Bayern man, the referee lets him off with it on this occasion, but he'll need to be much more careful.
• 42'

   

  San Jose has came into midfield to play in the Busquets type of role tonight, and up until now he has showed a very assured nature on the ball, exactly like his compatriot. His retention of the ball in those central areas has been paramount in Spain controlling the game.
• 40'

   

  La Roja don't fancy letting Ukraine grab an equaliser before the break so they are keeping the play centralised in the final third with patient passing at the moment. The home defence is looking sturdy, but they need to get the ball up the other end of the park.
• 38'

   

  Spain really aren't playing outwith second of third gear here, which, of course, they can afford to do as they have already won the group very comfortably. Ukraine have also sealed the play-off spot but they will be wanting to come up with a good performance to keep the momentum going into those vital games to get to the Euros.
• 36'

   

  Yellow CardThiago Alcántara
• 36'

   

  Kravets manages to get in behind the Spain defence and dashes forward before lashing a strike at goal, only to see his attempt slammed into the side-netting. Luckily for him, the linesman already had his flag up down the right touchline.
• 34'

   

  The news of the other scoreline will certainly makes its way on to the pitch and it'll be interesting to see how the Ukrainian players perform out there, as we now effectively have a friendly on our hands. It looks pretty much definite that Spain will win the group and Ukraine will finish in the play-off place.
• 32'

   

  A huge wave of disappointment filters through the stadium as the news comes through that Slovakia are now 3-0 up against Luxembourg in the other vital Group C clash being played tonight. Ukraine need to better their result in this round of fixtures, and it doesn't look like they are going to get their chance.
• 30'

   

  CLEARED OFF THE LINE FROM SAN JOSE! Ukraine are really turning the screw here and they come extremely close to equalising again as Garmash latches on to a loose ball on the edge of the box to fire a strike towards goal, only for his attempt to be blocked by the Athletic Bilbao midfielder!
• 28'

   

  The ball just will not go in the net for Ukraine! A massive goalmouth scramble ensues with Spain failing to clear a couple of times, which eventually sees the ball come to Kravets around eight yards out, but he heads over the ball whilst under pressure from Nacho!
• 26'

   

  This has certainly been a topsy-turvy range of emotions for Ukraine in the past couple of minutes, as moments after Pyatov saved the penalty kick, news came through that Slovakia have SCORED against Luxembourg. Massive hill to climb for the hosts now, as they need to rely on the Slovakians slipping up as well as beating Spain!
• 24'

   

  Penalty saveAndriy Pyatov
• 24'

   

  Missed PenaltyCesc Fàbregas
• 23'

   

  Yellow CardOlexandr Kucher
• 23'

   

  PENALTY TO SPAIN! THIS IS ALL FALLING APART FOR UKRAINE! Nolito is once again involved positively and picks out a similar pass to the assist he just gained for the goal, only this time for Fabregas. The Spain captain then takes a touch before being scythed down by Kucher!
• 21'

   

  AssistThiago Alcántara
• 21'

   

   

   

  GoalMario Gaspar
  GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL FOR SPAIN! LA ROJA OPEN THE SCORING! Nolito reverses a lovely pass into the box for Thiago, who hits the byline before standing a teasing cross to the back post. The onrushing Mario is on hand to bullet a great header into the bottom corner! Not bad on your debut for your country! One-nil!
• 19'

   

  Thiago glides forward down the left touchline and cleverly cuts inside before flicking the ball into the path of Nolito. The Celta Vigo forward then attempts to jink into the final third, only for play to be pulled back as he commits a daft foul on Garmash.
• 17'

   

  Spain have did well to curb that mini-ascendancy of Ukraine by just keeping things simple in the middle of the park to retain possession in areas which don't pose a threat to their goal. Ukraine have already proved that they can be a threat down the flanks when provided space in behind, though.
• 15'

   

  DOUBLE SAVE FROM DE GEA! Kravetz bears down on goal down the left channel and makes his way forward before looking to squeeze in a strike at the near post, which is blocked. The ball is recycled into the penalty area and Rotan hits a powerful half-volley at goal, which is again saved by the Manchester United stopper! Terrific goalkeeping!
• 13'

   

  San Jose, who has been deployed in a deep-lying defensive midfield role this evening, slides a pass into the feet of Thiago, who turns sharply before looking to play the ball forward. Stepanenko is eventually penalised for a handball and Spain get the free kick inside the centre circle.
• 11'

   

  Spain have definitely enjoyed the majority of possession so far but it is Ukraine who have arguably had the best chance of the match through Garmash. The hosts also pose tremendous pace on the counterattack through Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko, but just haven't got the talented duo involved enough so far.
• 9'

   

  Part of the reason that Fabregas didn't manage to get his shot on target there was a last-ditch challenge from Garmash, which probably just did enough to put the Spain captain off at the last minute. The Ukrainian just picked up a knock in the process of making the tackle, though, and has went off to receive a little treatment from the physios.
• 8'

   

  JUST OVER FROM FABREGAS! Spain counterattack at pace as Isco drives through the middle before shifting the ball a yard to the left to his compatriot, who fires a stinging strike aimed at the top corner, only to see his attempt go north of the crossbar!
• 6'

   

  La Roja may have made 10 changes here but there will certainly be no deviation from their usual gameplan which is to pass teams into submission in the final third. Still plenty of fabulous players out there with the likes of Isco, Alcacer, and Fabregas featuring from the start. The Chelsea star is actually making his 100th senior international appearance tonight.
• 4'

   

  UKRAINE GO CLOSE! Kravets cuts in from the left wing and fires a teasing shot-come-cross along the six-yard box. Garmash manages to get on the end of it but he can't turn an attempt on target, letting Spain off the hook with a bad miss in the process!
• 2'

   

  Spain have made a confident start to proceedings here as they typically decide to patiently keep possession for the first period of the match through short, stabbed passes, which is catalysing some boos from the home crowd.
• 1'

   

  We are under way in Kiev!
•  

   

  The teams have made their way to the pitch where we will see renditions of the national anthems!
•  

   

  Ukraine make four changes from their previous match. Khacherdi, Rybalka, Sydorchuk, and Seleznyov come into the starting XI, with Kucher, Garmash, Stepanenko, and Kravets missing out. With qualification already sealed for La Roja, Vicente del Bosque makes 10 switches, with De Gea, Etxeita, Nacho, Mario, Azpilicueta, San Jose, Isco, Thiago, Nolito, and Alcacer all given a chance from the start.
•  

   

  Spain (4-3-3): De Gea; Mario, Etxeita, Nacho, Azpilicueta; San Jose, Thiago, Fabregas; Nolito, Alcacer, Isco.
•  

   

  Ukraine (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Stepanenko, Rotan; Yarmolenko, Garmash, Konoplyanka; Kravets.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS...
•  

   

  La Roja had an easy time of it in their last qualifying match on Friday evening as they ran out comprehensive 4-0 winners over Luxembourg, with Santi Cazorla and Paco Alcacer each getting a double. However, the result was slightly marred by the fact that David Silva and Paco Alcacer were both forced off with injuries, meaning they will miss the action tonight.
•  

   

  Before the last round of fixtures at the weekend, Ukraine didn't really look to have a hope of still being able to finish second, but an impressive 2-0 win away to Macedonia, couple with Slovakia's surprise defeat at home to Belarus, have blown the race for group runners-up wide open. It will all be decided tonight!
•  

   

  Ukraine and Slovakia are both currently sitting on 19 points from nine matches, with the latter currently in second due to a superior head-to-head record. For Ukraine, a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to the Slovakians was followed up by a 0-0 draw in Zilina at the start of September. Jan Kozak's men certainly have the easier task that the Ukrainians this evening as they travel to take on Luxembourg, who they successfully defeated 3-0 in the previous clash between the two nations. Indeed, Ukraine could actually pull off a brilliant result against Spain tonight and still end up in the play-off place if Slovakia win.
•  

   

  After a long and arduous qualifying campaign, the participants for Euro 2016 are starting to shape up as we enter the last round of fixtures to allow any stragglers still battling it out for a place in the tournament to make one last push to be involved in France next summer. Spain have already comfortably won Group C having notched up an impressive 24 points from their opening nine matches, with their solitary defeat coming against Slovakia. It is indeed the Slovakians, along with Ukraine, who are battling for second and the last automatic qualification place.
•  

   

  I'm Martin Macdonald, and I'll be taking you through the action.
•  

   

  Good evening football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the 2016 European Championship qualifying Group C clash between Ukraine and Spain from the NSK Olimpijs'ky in Kiev!