Live Commentary: Spain 6-1 Argentina - as it happened

Spain continued their preparations for the 2018 World Cup with a thumping 6-1 win over Argentina in the Spanish capital on Tuesday night.

Isco netted a hat-trick for the 2010 world champions, while Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas were also on the scoresheet against an Argentina team that were once again without the services of Lionel Messi.

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

10.22pmThe referee brings the second period to a close with Spain running out 6-1 winners over Argentina in the Spanish capital. What a performance from the 2010 world champions. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!

90 min+1FULL-TIME: Spain 6-1 Argentina

90 minRamos charged in to make his point, and the centre-back is fortunate to stay on the field!

89 minBOOKING! Pavon (Argentina) is booked for a foul on Koke.

89 minArgentina are pressing forward as we enter the latter stages of this match, but nothing is working for the South American team in the final third of the field. The handbags are out again, meanwhile.

87 minBOOKING! Rojo (Argentina) is booked for a poor tackle on Asensio.

86 minIt has been a very scrappy second half in terms of challenges, with tonight's English referee having plenty to keep him busy in the second 45 minutes. Little under five minutes remaining here.

84 minARGENTINA SUB! Lo Celso is replaced by Acuna.

83 minSPAIN SUB! Thiago is replaced by Parejo for Spain.

82 minBOOKING! Meza (Argentina) is booked for a poor challenge on Carvajal.

79 minSPAIN SUB! Alba is replaced by Alonso for the home side.

79 minSpain are not finished here as Alba breaks into the Argentina box before delivering, but Otamendi makes the block. Messi has just left his position in the stands - he cannot watch this any more!

77 minSPAIN SUB! Isco is replaced by Vazquez for the home side.

76 minSpain have their sixth of the match as Aspas settles on the ball inside the Argentina box before feeding Isco, who smashes the ball into the bottom corner for his third of the night!

75 minGOAL! Spain 6-1 Argentina (Isco)

74 minSpain have their fifth of the match as one long ball completely deceives Argentina, and Aspas races clear before finding the back of the net with a simple finish!

73 minGOAL! Spain 5-1 Argentina (Aspas)

72 minSPAIN SUB! Azpilicueta replaces Pique for Spain.

70 minTagliafico has just flown into the back of Aspas, and the left-back is fortunate to escape a second yellow card. Tempers are certainly boiling over here as late challenges continue to arrive.

68 minBOOKINGS! Tagliafico (Argentina) and Isco (Spain) are both booked following a clash!

67 minPOST! Otamendi's header from a deep free kick hits the post!

66 minWe have still not had a yellow card in this match despite a number of late challenges. Saul is the latest individual to commit a foul, and the resulting free kick causes De Gea some concern.

64 minA penny for the thoughts of Messi, who is watching on from the stands in Madrid.

62 minARGENTINA SUB! Mercado replaces Bustos for Argentina.

62 minARGENTINA SUB! Perez replaces Banega for Argentina.

61 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Ramos sweeps home for Spain, but the whistle had been blown.

61 minLittle under 30 minutes of football remaining here, and Spain are looking for more goals. This is a result that will send out a serious message ahead of the 2018 World Cup. No doubt about that.

59 minARGENTINA SUB! Martinez replaces Higuain for Argentina.

57 minARGENTINA SUB! Pavon replaces Mascherano for Argentina.

56 minSpain have their fourth of the match as Thiago sweeps home following a mix-up inside the Argentina box. Poor defending, but it was another fine finish from a Spanish player!

56 minSPAIN SUB! Iniesta is replaced by Saul for Spain.

55 minGOAL! Spain 4-1 Argentina (Thiago)

53 minSpain have their third of the night as Aspas races clear of the Argentina defence before turning and feeding Isco, who places the ball into the bottom corner of the net!

52 minGOAL! Spain 3-1 Argentina (Isco)

51 minArgentina have had a lot of the ball in the early stages of the second period, and Lo Celso is causing problems when he has the chance to turn and run at the Spain defence. Still 2-1 to the home side.

49 min... Banega attempts to dink the ball into Tagliafico, but the weight is too strong.

49 minArgentina have a free kick in a decent area as Thiago brings Lo Celso to the deck...

48 minNo changes from Argentina at the interval, and just the one for Spain. However, both managers will utilise their bench as the second period gathers pace. Let's hope for more goals in Madrid.

46 min... SPAIN SUB! Aspas replaces Costa for the home side.

46 minRESTART! Argentina resume the action here...

9.30pmBENCH WATCH! Correa, Martinez, Paredes, Perez and Perotti are among those that will hope to feature for Argentina in the second half. However, as mentioned, there is once again no Messi for the South Americans. Spain, meanwhile, have the likes of Aspas, Vazquez, Saul and Rodrigo in reserve.

9.25pmSTATISTICS! The two teams have shared the possession with 50% each, but Argentina have had more shots - six to Spain's five. Argentina have also had more attempts on target, with Spain more clinical in the final third of the field. No bookings to report, although there have been 16 fouls already here.

9.20pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading Argentina 2-1 in Madrid. Goals from Costa and Isco saw Spain take a 2-0 lead on the night, but Argentina netted in the 39th minute through Otamendi. It has been a brilliant and indeed open game of football here.

45 min+2HALF-TIME: Spain 2-1 Argentina

45 min+1We are into the first and only added minute at the end of the first period.

44 minQuite a sloppy last few minutes as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. There is a sense of ill-feeling in this match as both sets of players continue to bite into tackles.

42 minHaving watched a replay of the Argentina goal, there is no question that De Gea will feel that he should have done a lot better. Otamendi's effort lacked power, but somehow managed to bounce into the bottom corner. Spain are back on the attack through Isco, although his low cross is cleared.

40 minArgentina have one back in the Spanish capital as Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi rises highest inside the penalty box to head past De Gea, who might have done better!

39 minGOAL! Spain 2-1 Argentina (Otamendi)

38 minSpain were very good for long stages of their 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, and the 2010 world champions have again been impressive here. Favourites for this summer's tournament? For me, yes.

36 minPique does not look too happy here as he holds his knee following a pass..

34 minAnother half-chance for Argentina as Lo Celso carries the ball to the edge of the Spain box before having a go, but De Gea is on hand to make a very comfortable save.

33 minHalf-chance for Argentina as Tagliafico breaks down the left before feeding Meza, but the attacker's effort is blocked by Ramos. We have not seen too much from Higuain in the last 10 minutes or so.

30 minIt must be said that Asensio has been sensational for Spain in the opening 30 minutes of this match. Two assists for the Real Madrid superstar, and Argentina just cannot seem to handle him.

28 minIsco doubles Spain's lead in the 27th minute as the Real Madrid attacker places a low Asensio cross into the bottom corner of the net. Argentina all over the place at the back once again!

27 minGOAL! Spain 2-0 Argentina (Isco)

27 minMISS! Alba fires high and wide of the crossbar after finding himself all alone inside the Argentina box following a cross from the opposite wide. Opportunities at both ends here.

26 minArgentina are just starting to pick holes here, but Spain are so dangerous on the break.

24 minCHANCE! Huge chance for Argentina as Meza is released by Lo Celso inside the Spain box, but Ramos is across at the final moment to make a wonderful last-ditch challenge!

22 minARGENTINA SUB! Romero is replaced by Caballero as the Manchester United goalkeeper cannot continue following that collision with Costa.

21 minNot too much to report in the last minute or two aside from Spain popping the ball around in midfield.

19 minJust a reminder that Argentina are without Messi tonight through injury. Higuain has been bright for the visitors in the opening 19 minutes, but he missed a really good chance early on, and has just had a shot blocked into the arms of De Gea. Still 1-0 Spain as the first period continues to gather pace.

17 minAsensio and Isco are linking very well in the final third of the field for Spain, while Costa looks full of energy in a central position. Argentina just need to be careful that they do not concede a second during a period which is being dominated by the home team. The quality of this match is excellent.

15 minGood possession for Argentina since the goal as they look to hit back in the Spanish capital.

13 minSpain take the lead in the 12th minute of this match as Costa races onto a loose ball inside the Argentina box before managing to sweep home before Romero can make contact. The Manchester United goalkeeper does clash with Costa, however, and that leaves both players on the ground!

12 minGOAL! Spain 1-0 Argentina (Costa)

12 minSpain are yet to carve out a chance in this match, but they have had a lot of the ball in the last minute or two, with Alba and Carvajal pressed high up the field. The tempo is very high at the moment.

10 minSpain started on the front foot, but Argentina are playing some really good football at the moment as they continue to work the ball into wide positions. I am still trying to get over that miss from Higuain!

8 minCHANCE! Huge chance for Argentina as Meza finds Higuain with a super cross from the left, but the Juventus striker somehow places the ball over the crossbar from close range!

7 minHiguain's presence is causing Pique and Ramos some problems here, with the Juventus forward alert to the passes that the likes of Banega and Meza are trying to find. It has been a high-quality first seven minutes in Madrid, although we are still waiting for the first chance of the night.

5 min... the free kick is wasted, and Spain resume the play from De Gea.

5 minArgentina have a free kick in a dangerous area as Ramos brings Higuain to the deck...

4 minBright work from Asensio as the Real Madrid attacker collects a pass from Isco inside the Argentina box before looking to deliver towards Costa, but Romero is on hand to make the claim. As expected, Spain have taken control of the ball in the early moments as Argentina drop into a 4-2-3-1 shape.

2 min... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Spain are in white here, with Argentina in their dark blue strip. It is a big shame that Messi is not in action!

0 minKICKOFF! Spain kick things off in Madrid...

8.25pmHere we go then; both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at Atletico Madrid's wonderful Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Let's hope for an open and entertaining game of football!

8.22pmJust a reminder of the two teams for tonight's match... SPAIN: De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Thiago, Koke, Iniesta; Asensio, Costa, Isco ARGENTINA: Romero; Bustos, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico; Biglia, Mascherano, Banega, Lo Celso, Meza; Higuain

8.18pm

#VamosArgentina AsÃ formarÃ¡ el conjunto nacional ðŸ‡¦ðŸ‡· para el amistoso ante #EspaÃ±a ðŸ‡ªðŸ‡¸ pic.twitter.com/wjzXZ04tIn

— SelecciÃ³n Argentina (@Argentina) March 27, 2018

8.15pmArgentina, who will take on Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in the group stages of this summer's tournament, last won the World Cup in 1986. They reached the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but lost 1-0 to Germany as Mario Gotze netted in extra-time. Can they go one better in Russia?

8.12pmJorge Sampaoli's side actually lost 4-2 to Nigeria before the win over Italy, and it was not all plain sailing when it comes to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Indeed, they only won seven of their 18 qualification matches, but finished third behind Brazil and Uruguay to book their spot at the finals.

8.08pmAs for Argentina, the South American nation recorded a 2-0 win against Italy at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini scored the goals for an Argentina team that were without the injured Messi, which is again the case tonight. If Messi can find his best form at the World Cup then Argentina must be considered as one of the favourites to triumph.

8.05pm

1987 - The Spanish national team havenÂ´t lost a game played in Madrid since February 1987, 2-4 vs England (W12 D3). Solid. pic.twitter.com/c409DDTHVR

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2018

8.02pmSpain landed the 2010 World Cup, but failed to make it out of the group stages in the 2014 competition, which was a major disappointment. The days of Vicente del Bosque are gone, and now under the leadership of Lopetegui, Spain will be looking to make their mark on the biggest stage once again.

7.58pmAfter tonight's match, Spain will not be in action until they face Switzerland at the start of June, before taking on Tunisia in their final friendly ahead of this summer's tournament. Spain will open their World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 15, and will also take on Iran and Morocco as they bid to make the knockout round of the tournament. That opener with Portugal could be some match.

7.55pmValencia forward Rodrigo sent Spain ahead in the sixth minute of Friday's match with the world champions, before Thomas Muller levelled for Germany in the latter stages of the first period. The quality on display was excellent, and it would be a big surprise if Spain and indeed Germany were not major challengers for the 2018 World Cup, which is shaping up to be fascinating tournament.

7.52pm

12,5% - Argentina have only won 12,5% of South American 2018 World Cup Qualifying games without Leo Messi compared to 60% when he has played. Dependence pic.twitter.com/47V8C8H6cc

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2018

7.49pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in Madrid. I shall speak about Argentina little bit later, but let's start with Spain. Julen Lopetegui's side will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with world champions Germany on Friday night, and it must be said that was a terrific game of football between two world-class international teams.

7.46pmAs for Argentina, Lionel Messi is again absent through injury, but there are spots in the XI for the likes of Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain, while Independiente midfielder Maximiliano Meza makes his international debut. Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi again starts for Argentina, but Manuel Lanzini, who scored against Italy on Friday night, is unavailable due to a slight injury problem.

7.43pmSpain boss Julen Lopetegui has made two changes to the team that started the 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday night. Marco Asensio has come in for David Silva, while Diego Costa replaces Rodrigo at centre-forward. Koke keeps his spot in midfield alongside Andres Iniesta and Thiago, while Gerard Pique is fit despite concerns that the centre-back would miss out. It is a very strong Spain XI.

7.40pmTEAMS! SPAIN: De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Thiago, Koke, Iniesta; Asensio, Costa, Isco ARGENTINA: Romero; Bustos, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico; Biglia, Mascherano, Banega, Lo Celso, Meza; Higuain

7.37pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Any changes from their respective matches against Germany and Italy on Friday night? Let's run through the two XIs that will start this match at the Wanda Metropolitano...

7.34pmTonight will be the 14th meeting between Spain and Argentina in international football. Spain have won five of the previous 13, with Argentina picking up six wins. Their last meeting was a friendly back in September 2010, and Argentina recorded a 4-1 win over the then world champions on that particular occasion courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.

7.31pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live international friendly coverage continues from the wonderful Wanda Metroplitano stadium in Madrid as Spain host Argentina. There are no points or indeed prizes on offer tonight, but it will give both teams an indication of their standing ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Stay tuned for what should be a fascinating game of football from Madrid!

Live Commentary: Spain 6-1 Argentina - as it happened

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