Jordi Alba's early goal and a penalty from Andres Iniesta has put Spain on course to win their Euro 2016 qualifier against the unbeaten Slovakia and seize top spot in Group C.

The Barcelona full-back opened the scoring for La Roja after Manchester City's David Silva sprayed a ball into the area, which allowed Alba to race around the back of the visitors' defence and head home unmarked.

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Moments earlier, it was Slovakia who almost took the lead when a lapse from Sergio Ramos presented a chance to Robert Mak, but the attacker dragged his shot wide.

Vicente Del Bosque's side continued to boss possession in the opening stages and were awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark when keeper Matus Kozacik was adjudged to have brought down Diego Costa.

Although replays suggest that the decision was questionable, Iniesta coolly slotted his spot kick into the bottom corner of the net to put Spain in control.

The Barca midfielder almost put the hosts further in front when he latched onto Cesc Fabregas's pinpoint cross, but failed to hit the target.

With the interval approaching, Slovakia almost pulled a goal back when Marek Hamsik's strike was turned away by Iker Casillas, who is winning his 163rd cap for La Roja.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe