Spain storms into the round of 16 with Azzurri help

Spain's young stars delighted their king, stormed into the round of 16 - and this time they were not stopped by Italy's EURO hero Gigi Donnarumma

Lamine Yamal one of young star of Spain in UEFA Euro 2024

Spain's young stars delighted their king, stormed into the round of 16 - and this time they were not stopped by Italy's EURO hero Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first giant duel of the European Championship against the defending champions.

Thanks to an own goal, the record European champions beat the Azzurri and their outstanding goalkeeper 1-0 (0-0) in the "Clasico de Europa" in front of Felipe VI and became the second team after hosts Germany to secure their ticket for the knockout round early.

For a long time, the overwhelmingly superior co-favorites despaired again of Donnarumma, who was celebrated as a penalty killer in the Italian title win three years ago and was the final stadium for the Furia Roja in the semi-finals. The keeper thwarted several top-class chances before his own defender Riccardo Calafiori beat him (55th). Despite their first defeat in Group B, coach Luciano Spalletti's team still has good prospects, and a draw on Monday (9 p.m.) against Croatia would be enough to advance.

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In the "second living room" of their legend Raul at Schalke, the Spaniards clearly dominated the game, but initially failed repeatedly against Donnarumma. After just 90 seconds, the 25-year-old was called into action when he used a strong reflex to deflect a header from Pedri over the bar. Alvaro Morata was also thwarted by Donnarumma (24th minute), as was Fabian Ruiz with a long-range shot (25th minute).

"We will stay true to our identity, play with elegance, but also with the willingness to eat grass if necessary," Spalletti announced, and despite all the praise for the opponent, stressed: "You shouldn't overestimate them either." He had warned his team above all about the "power and intensity" of the Spaniards when they attacked. With the same starting eleven as in the 2-1 win against Albania, the Azzurri immediately went on the defensive.

Italians are getting quieter and quieter

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of the "Clasico of Europe" and expected two similar teams in the eighth European Championship duel between the giants. When he looks at the Italians, it feels like he is "looking in the mirror". Compared to the 3-0 win against Croatia, he made one substitution: Aymeric Laporte came on for Nacho.

The systems were indeed mirrored. The difference was that the Spaniards had significantly more possession and were able to combine more freely and were more aggressive against the ball than the Italians. "Eviva Espana," sang the 10,000 fans of the Furia Roja, while the almost 30,000 Tifosi became quieter and quieter. Only after falling behind did the defending champions become more offensive, but Spain still had the better chances: Nico Williams hit the crossbar (70th minute). In injury time, Donnarumma saved twice against Ayoze Perez.

Unlike the opening match between England and Serbia (1:0), when there was harsh criticism of the host city of Gelsenkirchen and especially of the public transport on social networks, the mood was excellent even before kick-off: Both fan groups celebrated exuberantly in the city, the Spaniards marched together to the arena. The police described the atmosphere as "peaceful and happy".