It was announced earlier on Wednesday (AEDT) that Luis Enrique would not be at the game due to a family emergency, though there never looked to be any danger of an upset under the guidance of assistant Robert Moreno. 

Although it took Spain longer to make the breakthrough than it would have wished, Morata it ahead in the 31st minute, with Malta having just 16 per cent of the ball in the first half. 

The visitor continued to underwhelm despite its dominance in the second half, though Morata doubled his tally towards the end to wrap up a comfortable – albeit unimpressive – victory. 

Spain dominated proceedings and Saul Niguez looked its most likely route to goal. The midfielder shot agonisingly wide from distance in the 16th minute, shortly before slicing a more presentable opportunity over from 12 yards out. 

Morata made no such error just past the half-hour mark, however, racing on to Mario Hermoso's pass and beating Henry Bonello – who got a hand to the ball – from a tight angle. 

Spain stepped things up again around the hour, going close three times in as many minutes, Morata sending a header just wide before Marco Asensio forced Bonello into two smart saves. 

Bonello was helpless 17 minutes from time, as Morata rose to meet the cross of Jesus Navas – introduced for Saul a few moments earlier – and finish Malta off.