Oyarzabal treble sees Spain crush Andorra as Euro 2024 preparations continue

A super second-half hat-trick from Mikel Oyarzabal saw Spain thump neighbours Andorra in their first Euro 2024 warm-up match.

La Roja had been without a win all year heading into this friendly but were in firm control from minute one.

The visitors looked to restrict them but eventually gave way with debutant Ayoze Perez scoring the opener.

A string of changes at the break saw Spain move up a gear with Oyarzabal grabbing three goals in 20 minutes to ensure victory.

Andorra had just about given up and looked to limit the damage from then on, but they couldn’t keep out Ferran Torres who scored a fifth after 82 minutes.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is leading his country into a major tournament for the first time this summer and they are seen as one of the quiet favourites.

With plenty of experience and exciting young players, Spain have a good mix capable of hurting most sides.

However, they will have to navigate a tough group first facing Italy, Croatia and Albania.

Talking Point – Spain secure first win of the year

Since taking over from Luis Enrique back in 2022, De La Fuente has done an incredible job. He led Spain to the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League title and a near-perfect Euros qualifying campaign where they lost just one match.

However, before Wednesday night they were without a win in their last two games following a draw to Brazil and a shock loss to Columbia.

If La Roja are to have any hope of winning the Euros this summer then starting well was always going to be key. Whilst this was not a competitive match, a win will help their confidence enormously.

Player of the Match – Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

After a second-half hat-trick he has to be handed this award. If Spain are to get close to glory in Germany then you can expect Oyarzabal to play a key part.

A special mention also has to go to Ayoze Perez who was great on his debut.

Player Ratings

Spain: Raya 6, Llorente 7, Vivian 7, Cubarsi 8, Grimaldo 7, Pedri 7, Garcia 7, Banea 7, Torres 8, Morata 7, Perez 8, Oyarzabal 10, Normand 7, Lopez 8, Navas 7, Cucurella 6, Zubimendi 5.

Andorra: Alvarez 4, E. Vales 5, Llovera 4, Garcia 4, San Nicolas 4, Cervos 5, Rubio 5, Guillen 4, Fernandez 5, Garcia 5, Bryan 5, Gomez 5, M. Vales 5, Viera 5, Clemente 5, Dacu 5, Pujol 5.

Match Highlights

24 – GOAL! SPAIN 1-0 ANDORRA (PEREZ): The ball fell to Perez in the box and he smashed it home from close range.

54 – GOAL! SPAIN 2-0 ANDORRA (OYARZABAL): The substitute poked in from close ranger to get the second for Spain.

67 – GOAL! SPAIN 3-0 ANDORRA (OYARZABAL): A lovely layoff from Ferran Torres allowed Oyarzabal to place the ball into an empty net.

73 – GOAL! SPAIN 4-0 ANDORRA (OYARZABAL): A scramble in the box saw his shot initially saved by Andorra goalkeeper Gomes before he smashed the rebound in.

82 – GOAL! SPAIN 5-0 ANDORRA (TORRES): Torres got his reward for assisting Oyarzabal earlier on. A superb solo run was followed by an accurate strike which eased past Gomes.

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.