There was a lot new when Spain restarted after the World Cup disappointment. Luis Enrique got the kick after the championship and was replaced by Luis de la Fuente. The new head coach appointed none other than Álvaro Morata as the new team captain.
On Saturday night, it was time for the European Championship qualifying opener when they took on Norway – without Erling Braut Haaland who was forced to throw in the towel as a result of groin pain.
Spain started spiritedly and it wasn't long before the lead goal came. Left-back Alejandro Balde came up with a fierce effort along the ground that Dani Olmo steered in to make it 1-0.
Norway better in the second half
Then the home team basically lost everything – and Norway took over the game completely. Team captain Martin Ødegaard played until one scoring chance after another – but in vain.
The closest came to an equaliser in the 43rd minute of the game but Chelsea's scolded goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga got the ball away on the goal line.
In the second half, Norway were the better team – but 1-1 never came. Instead, Spain countered in 2-0 and 3-0 through substitute Joselu.
Norway next faces Georgia in the second match of the European Championship qualifiers. Spain is pitted against Scotland.