Spain boss Julen Lopetegui expecting Albania test

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has called Albania "a great opponent" ahead of Sunday night's 2018 World Cup qualifier between the two nations.

Euro 2016 was Albania's first ever international tournament and Gianni De Biasi's side have impressed in their opening two World Cup qualifiers, winning two from two to top Group G ahead of their clash with Spain.

Lopetegui has insisted that his team 'must be at their best' to overcome the home side, who followed up a win over Macedonia by recording a 2-0 victory at Liechtenstein last time out.

"Albania are a great opponent. They demonstrated this in the last Euros. We must give our best," Lopetegui told reporters. "It is going to be a very competitive qualifying group. There are two years of matches until the World Cup."

Spain will enter the match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Italy on Thursday night.