Live Commentary: Spain 1-0 Ukraine - as it happened

Spain and Ukraine continued their respective Euro 2016 qualification campaigns with a Group C clash on Friday.

La Roja led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of Alvaro Morata's first international goal.

Both teams had chances in the second period, but Morata's effort proved the winner as Spain moved onto 12 points in the group.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.

9.38pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Spain running out 1-0 winners against a spirited Ukraine outfit. La Roja have moved onto 12 points in the group, while Ukraine remain third on nine points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!

90 min+5FULL-TIME: Spain 1-0 Ukraine

90 min+4... it is delivered deep into the Spain box, but Busquets is on hand to clear.

90 min+4Ukraine have one final chance from a free kick here...

90 min+3The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following a host of late challenges. Spain are keeping possession as we approach the final 60 seconds here.

90 min+2Ukraine have given it a real go in the second period, but it does appear that they are just going to miss out this evening. Spain were very good in the first half, but not so good in the second.

90 min+1SUB! Ukraine make their third change as Budkivskiy replaces Kravets.

90 minThe fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football.

88 minThere is a stoppage as Kravets clashes with Ramos, but both players appear fit to continue.

87 minCHANCE! Best Spain chance for some time as Isco sets up Cazorla outside the box, but the Arsenal midfielder's effort just moves wide of the post. Excellent football from the hosts.

86 minTymoshchuk tries his luck for the visitors after meeting a bouncing ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Time is just starting to run out in Seville here.

84 minBetter from Spain in the last couple of minutes as Silva twice rolls low crosses into the box, but Ukraine manage to clear with little fuss, before Rotan is brought down on the counter attack.

82 minUkraine threaten once again as a deep corner causes concern inside the Spain box, but Garmash heads over the crossbar under pressure from Ramos. Not too much to report in terms of Spain pressure, which is bringing unrest inside the stadium. The hosts have been disappointing in the second half.

80 minWell, this has been anything but comfortable for Spain, especially in the second period. Ukraine are still very much in this game as they continue to press forward. Still more than 10 minutes to play.

78 minSUB! Spain indeed make their third change as Bernat replaces Alba.

77 minSpain are going to be forced into another change here as Alba pulls up with a hamstring strain.

76 minSUB! Ukraine make their second change as Stepanenko is replaced by Garmash.

75 minSpain have a half-chance as Ramos meets a swinging corner from Isco, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and it is still 1-0 to Spain in Seville.

74 minSUB! Spain make their second change as Cazorla replaces Iniesta.

73 minBOOKING! Kucher (Ukraine) is booked for a late challenge on Isco.

71 minLittle under 20 minutes of football remaining and Spain still lead 1-0 courtesy of that first-half effort from Morata, who has since been subbed. Ukraine have grown into this second period and are seriously threatening as we approach the latter stages. Is there to be some late drama in Seville?

69 min... Silva delivers the resulting free kick towards the far post, but Ramos can only head out of play.

69 minThe home supporters are just a little restless at the moment as another attack comes to an end, but Spain do force a free kick outside the Ukraine box when Silva is felled by Tymoshchuk...

67 minCHANCE! Yet another wonderful chance for Ukraine as Kravets sets up Rotan inside the Spain box, but the midfielder's effort is straight at Casillas. What an opportunity for the visitors!

65 minSUB! Spain make their first change as Pedro replaces Morata.

64 minHalf-chance for Spain as Iniesta sets up Morata outside the Ukraine box, but his effort was always swinging wide of the post. Spain are preparing to make their first change of the night here.

63 minUkraine continue to threaten from set pieces, but Casillas remains strong and again comes to collect a free kick from Rotan. We have not seen too much from Spain as an attacking threat for some time.

61 minStill no movement on the Spain bench, but I suspect that Del Bosque will be considering changes as the second period continues to gather pace. Ukraine are on top at the moment as they continue to commit numbers in the final third. An equaliser would certainly be deserved at this stage of the match.

59 minRotan has looked the most likely for Ukraine this evening and the experienced midfielder remains a threat in the final third. Spain have just been a little untidy in the last couple of minutes.

57 minSAVE! Another opportunity for Ukraine, but Casillas saves a stinging effort from Rotan, who has been very good for the visitors this evening. End-to-end football in Seville now.

56 minThis second period is warming up very nicely indeed as Spain continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Ukraine are still more than in this match with 56 minutes on the clock. The visitors have a half-chance as Yarmolenko finds space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high.

54 minBOOKING! Kravets (Ukraine) is booked for a really poor challenge on Silva.

53 minUkraine force another free kick in an advanced area following a late challenge from Juanfran. Once again Rotan delivers, but Kravets cannot make contact. Much better from Ukraine in the last few moments.

51 minSAVE! Spain goalkeeper Casillas is called into action to tip a searching free kick from Rotan just round the post. Not sure about some of the home side's defending from that set piece!

50 minBOOKING! Ramos (Spain) is booked for that late challenge on Kravets.

50 minHalf-chance for Spain as Isco collects a loose ball just outside the box, but his effort is deflected into the arms of the Ukraine goalkeeper. Some more sloppy passing from Ukraine has just allowed Spain to take control in the final third. Down the other end, Ramos brings Kravets to the ground.

49 minNot too much to report in the early stages of the second period, with both sides just a little sloppy in possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial. Another for Spain would place La Roja in a very strong position at the Estadio Ramon.

47 minNo changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20, 25 minutes in Seville.

46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Ukraine find a route back into this match? It is going to be difficult. Spain get the second 45 minutes underway.

8.43pmBENCH WATCH! In truth, Spain have an absolute embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening, with the likes of Cazorla, Fabregas, Pedro, Juanmi and Vitolo all in reserve for Vicente del Bosque. Ukraine, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Gusev, Olijnyk and Bezus.

8.38pmSTATS! Spain have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had nine attempts - three of which have been on target. Ukraine, meanwhile, have had four attempts, but thus far failed to hit the target. There has also been just the one booking, with Fedetskiy carded for Ukraine.

8.33pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading 1-0 courtesy of a smart finish from Morata. Ukraine have had their moments, but the home side have been in control for long spells, with Ramos also rattling the crossbar. It has been an entertaining half here.

45 min+2HALF-TIME: Spain 1-0 Ukraine

45 min+1The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute in Seville.

45 minYarmolenko attempts to force it for Ukraine after finding space in a wide area, but his cross is collected by Casillas, who has been largely untroubled thus far in Seville. Ukraine are just starting to force the issue in the latter stages of the half, but Spain remain in control here.

43 minIt is all Spain as we approach the half-time interval in Seville. Ukraine have had their moments and had a wonderful chance through Rotan, but Spain have been much the better team thus far tonight.

41 minCROSSBAR! Spain come close to scoring a second as Ramos meets a free kick from Silva, but his header smashes against the crossbar. The home side come mightily close to a second goal!

38 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Spain have the ball in the back of the net as Morata converts from close range, but Juanfran was flagged offside moments before playing the pass. Correct decision there.

37 minHalf-chance for Spain as Silva collects a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Ramos almost gets caught down the other end by the waiting Kravets, but the centre-back manages to clear. Still 1-0 with 37 minutes on the clock in Seville.

35 minUkraine continue to threaten from set pieces, but Spain have been aerially dominant thus far, which is not surprising with Pique and Ramos both in fine form. Little over 10 minutes of the half to play.

33 minZozulya has taken a couple of heavy knocks in this game and has been deemed unable to continue. Ukraine force a free kick in a wide position following the change, but Yarmolenko's delivery is headed over the crossbar by Khacheridi. Half-chance, but not much more than that for the visitors.

32 minSUB! Ukraine are forced into an early change as Zozulya leaves the field for Kravets.

30 minMorata has been very dangerous in the opening 30 minutes and he deserves that goal. Ukraine were caught a little short at the back and have been made to pay. Can the visitors find a quick response?

29 minSpain break the deadlock with 28 minutes on the clock as Koke slides an excellent pass into Morata, who lifts his effort over the onrushing goalkeeper. That is Morata's first senior Spain goal.

28 minGOAL! Spain 1-0 Ukraine (Morata)

27 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ukraine to open the scoring as a fine move ends with Rotan striking one from the edge of the box, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Very close!

25 minIniesta has seen plenty of the ball in the opening 25 minutes and the midfielder seems to have a good outstanding with Morata, who has been lively thus far. Silva remains a threat in wide position as he sets up Isco once again, but the Real Madrid midfielder's effort was always swinging just wide.

23 minUkraine have been able to ride the early storm and are now pressing forward with numbers. Their latest attack comes to a close, however, when Shevchuk dives into a late challenge with Busquets.

21 minUkraine have just started to enjoy some possession in the final third, but they might be made to regret that missed chance from Fedetskiy. Spain are down the other end with Isco moments later, but Silva can only head the midfielder's cross wide of the post. End-to-end football in Seville here.

19 minCHANCE! From nowhere, Ukraine have a wonderful chance as Fedetskiy meets a super free kick from Rotan, but the defender's effort is just wide of the post. What an opportunity for the visitors!

18 minMorata goes down inside the Ukraine box, but the referee is not interested. It would have been a very harsh penalty. Ukraine attempt to break down the other end, but Alba is across to clear the danger.

16 minBOOKING! Fedetskiy (Ukraine) is booked for a late challenge on Isco.

16 minSAVE! Spain again come close as Koke hammers one from outside the box, but Pyatov is on hand to make another smart save, before the stopper punches clear the resulting corner.

15 minWe have seen little from the likes of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka thus far, with the Ukraine pair struggling to become involved in the final third. In truth, Spain are utterly dominating this match at the moment, with Isco and Silva floating behind Morata. It is working very well at the moment here.

13 minUkraine just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Spain remain on top. It has been a very good opening 13 minutes for La Roja there is no question about that. They are very bright here.

11 minUkraine are struggling at the moment as Spain continue to pass and probe in the final third. However, the home side have been unable to take their opportunities thus far. Still goalless in Seville.

9 minCHANCE! Morata comes close to opening his international tally for Spain after meeting an excellent pass from Iniesta, but the striker just drags his effort wide of the post. Very close!

7 minAnother half-chance for Spain as Silva slides a super pass into Alba, but the left-back's cross is straight into the arms of Pyatov. Ukraine break down the other end moments later, but the visitors are forced back when Spain shape up. It has been a bright opening seven minutes to this Group C clash.

5 minCHANCE! Excellent sight of goal for Spain as Silva collects a wonderful pass from Iniesta before sliding a cross towards Morata, but Shevchuk is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Excellent football.

4 minIsco shows excellent feet outside the box as he combines with Iniesta, but Kucher steps across to clear the danger. The home team remain in control of the possession as they pass and probe outside the box. Zozulya flies into Alba moments later, but the referee takes no action against the forward.

2 minAs expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. However, Ukraine have a nice shape in midfield and will certainly be tough to break down.

0 minYou just get the feeling that Ukraine will have to start well tonight if they are to record a positive result. The Spain supporters expect. It is the away side that get the first period underway.

7.43pmHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Can Ukraine cause a shock in Seville tonight?

7.40pmJust a reminder that there is a host of international football taking place this evening. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole throughout the night and you will not miss a single kick!

7.37pmPREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it difficult to look past Spain this evening. Ukraine have plenty of players that can hurt the hosts, but at home, La Roja just have to be the favourites. I am not expecting it to be convincing, but will back Spain to emerge 2-0 winners. Let's hope for an entertaining game in Seville.

7.34pm

0 - Spain have never lost at RamÃ³n SÃ¡nchez PizjuÃ¡n in Seville: 19 wins and five draws. Charm

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2015

7.31pmUkraine did qualify for Euro 2012 as the host nation, but they went out in the group stages after winning just one of their three matches. That was their first European tournament as an independent nation having failed to make the finals in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. They have also only ever made one World Cup in their history, but it was a success as they reached the quarter-finals in 2006.

7.28pmOn June 14, Ukraine will welcome Luxembourg, before hosting Belarus in September. A difficult trip to Slovakia follows, before ending their Group C campaign with games against Macedonia (away) and Spain (home). A positive result this evening would leave Ukraine full of confidence that is for certain.

7.25pmLike Spain, Ukraine have also been in action since their last qualification match, but it was a fairly drab affair as they drew 0-0 with Lithuania in an international friendly last November. In terms of what Ukraine have to come, they will welcome Latvia in a friendly on March 31 before facing their final five group matches.

7.22pmUkraine, however, will enter this match full of confidence. They opened their Euro 2016 qualification campaign with a 1-0 defeat at home to Slovakia, but they have since won three times without conceding. The first of those came away to Belarus, before beating Macedonia 1-0 at home and Luxembourg 3-0 away.

7.19pmWhat's more, Spain are unbeaten in 29 competitive games on home soil â€“ winning 25 of those â€“ since losing 1-0 to Greece in a Euro 2004 qualifier back in June 2003. Tonight's stadium is the Estadio Ramon and Sevilla have not lost on their own patch for over 12 months. The omens are good for Spain this evening.

7.16pmMany expected Spain to be top of the section at this stage of the campaign, but in truth, they are still big favourites to advance as winners. Some had written La Roja off following a poor World Cup, but they will enter Euro 2016 â€“ providing they qualify â€“ as among the favourites for another European crown.

7.13pmFollowing this match, Spain travel to Netherlands for a friendly on March 31 and they are not back in Euro 2016 qualification action until June 14, when they travel to Belarus. They then welcome Slovakia and travel to Macedonia in September, before ending their campaign with games at home to Luxembourg and away to Ukraine in October. Little over 30 minutes until kickoff in Seville tonight...

7.10pmHowever, Vicente del Bosque's side returned to winning ways in impressive fashion with a 4-0 victory away to Luxembourg, before beating Belarus 3-0 in Huelva to make it nine points from their four group games thus far. They have also been in action since then, welcoming the world champions Germany to Vigo back in November â€“ a match that they lost 1-0.

7.07pmSpain then travelled Slovakia in October 2014 looking to make it six points from two group matches, but they were beaten 2-1 in Zilina. That loss was Spain's first qualification defeat since October 2006, a run that stretched back 36 qualifiers. It would be fair to say that the result sent shockwaves around Europe.

7.04pmFollowing what was a disastrous World Cup, Spain were beaten 1-0 by France in a friendly back in September as more questions were asked of the European champions. La Roja started their Euro 2016 qualification campaign in impressive fashion, however, beating Macedonia 5-1 to take early control.

7.01pmSpain and Ukraine also met in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup and it was Spain that ran out 4-0 winners under the stewardship of Luis Aragones. The likes of Iker Casillas, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Ramos were all part of that Spain team, but much has changed with Ukraine since then, that is for certain.

6.58pmThese two nations have met on three previous occasions and Ukraine are yet to win. Spain have picked up two victories during that run of fixtures, while the further clash ended in a share of the spoils. The pair have not met in Spain since 2003, however, when Spain recorded a 2-1 victory during qualification for Euro 2004.

6.55pmUkraine, meanwhile, will seemingly line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation this evening. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who is the all-time leading appearance maker for Ukraine, will captain the team. Exciting forwards Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka are also included, while Roman Zozulya will lead the line. The visitors' goalkeeper tonight is the vastly experienced Andriy Pyatov.

6.52pmSo there we have it. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas keeps his place between the sticks this evening at the expense of David de Gea, who is on the bench. Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran is given the nod at right-back, while there is also a place in the team for in-form Juventus forward Alvaro Morata. The likes of Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas make up what is a talent-filled bench.

6.49pmTEAMS: SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Isco; Iniesta, Morata, Silva UKRAINE: Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khacheridi, Kucher, Shevchuk; Tymoshchuk, Rotan; Konoplyanka, Stepanenko, Yarmolenko; Zozulya

6.47pmFirst and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.

6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Seville as Spain welcome Ukraine in Group C. Both sides have taken nine points from their four group matches thus far, with the pair currently trailing group leaders Slovakia by three points. Let's hope for a cracker tonight.

Live Commentary: Spain 1-0 Ukraine - as it happened

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