Spain beats Georgia to edge closer to World Cup
Spain continued its dominant FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal at Elche's Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium.
The win extended the European champion's perfect run in Group E as it edged closer to a place at the 2026 tournament having scored 11 goals in three matches without conceding.
Spain is top with nine points, three ahead of Turkey, while Georgia remains third on three. Bulgaria sits bottom, having suffered three consecutive defeats.
Despite the absence of players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri because of injuries, Luis de la Fuente's Spain side showcased its superiority against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep.
Spain dominated the match with more than 80 per cent possession and Georgia did not have one shot on target or create a scoring opportunity.
The hosts were thwarted by Giorgi Mamardashvili, though, as the goalkeeper was determined to prevent a rout.
Pino opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a well-executed set-piece routine. Pedri delivered a free-kick from the left into the box, where defender Robin Le Normand provided an assist for Pino to finish into an empty net from close range.
Georgia's defence faltered four minutes later when Saba Goglichidze's misplaced back-pass led to Mamardashvili tripping Ferran Torres in the area.
However, the keeper made amends by diving low to his left to save Torres' spot-kick. Mamardashvili was in top form all night, also saving Pedro Porro's long-range effort in the 30th minute.
Mikel Merino missed a golden opportunity to double the lead before half-time, firing over the crossbar from close range.
In the second half, Spain's remained in control. Porro struck the post with a curling effort in the 53rd, while Oyarzabal and Torres wasted clear chances.
The breakthrough for the second goal arrived in the 64th minute as Oyarzabal unleashed a stunning free kick from the edge of the box, finding the top corner and sealing the result.
Mamardashvili continued to impress, denying Torres once more in the 88th minute to keep the scoreline respectable for Georgia, which was otherwise outclassed.
"We're very happy with the victory," Porro said.
"The team played very well in all aspects of the game. We had to watch out for their transitions and I think the team did very well.
"The defence in general did a great job. It's our third clean sheet, which is important for building confidence. Now we have another tough match ahead of us on Tuesday [Wednesday AEDT]."
Spain hosts Bulgaria in Valladolid on Wednesday (AEDT) when Georgia visits Turkey in Izmit.
De la Fuente was pleased with how his team conducted itself, especially Oyarzabal.
"He's a very complete player. Totally. He does everything well,” De la Fuente said of the goalscorer.
“If he plays up front, he does well, with runs between the lines.
He's the same on the wings, with attacks down the left. He interprets every game situation. Yes, he's underrated.
“Fortunately, I'll have to make decisions. We have a great youth academy and players for the future.
“It's a source of pride, [the absences are] nothing to worry about. When you have doubts, football itself clears them up. I'm lucky. Today we saw other players.”

