The game marked the international debut for St Mirren midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce, whose delivery set up Daniel Ballard for Northern Ireland’s opening goal. Just 69 seconds into the match, Sunderland defender Ballard rose in the box to meet Boyd-Munce’s teasing cross and headed the ball over Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, who got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from finding the net.
Northern Ireland’s lead was short-lived, lasting just 10 minutes as Spain began to dominate possession. O’Neill’s side had capitalized on limited possession during their recent improved form, notably against Scotland, but against Spain, they found no way to relieve the relentless pressure.
Spain consistently regained possession high up the field and pushed their full-backs forward, often appearing to play with only Nacho and Robin le Normand at the back. This aggressive positioning created numerous problems for Northern Ireland on the flanks. Spain’s equalizer came when Rodri found too much space in midfield and fired into the corner from 25 yards. However, it was Spain’s wide deliveries that posed the greatest threat throughout the match.
Spain took the lead at 2-1 in the 19th minute when Jesus Navas delivered a brilliant cross from the right, which Morata nodded home via the post. Ten minutes later, Spain doubled their advantage as the dangerous Nico Williams broke down the opposite wing and pulled back for Pedri to score.
Five minutes after that, Lamine Yamal twisted and turned before delivering a perfect ball into the Northern Ireland box for Ruiz to finish off. Despite Spain’s control, Northern Ireland had a chance to cut the deficit before halftime. Unai Simon could only parry Shea Charles’ effort from the edge of the box, and Isaac Price missed the rebound when Jamie Reid poked it back his way.
The game’s momentum slowed after a series of substitutions, with Spain adding to their lead in the second half only after the hour mark. Northern Ireland felt they deserved a free-kick when Price was caught in possession by Yamal, but the officials saw no foul. Yamal then pulled back for substitute Oyarzabal to tap in at the front post, following his hat-trick against Andorra earlier in the week.
As the Euro 2024 opener approaches, Spain’s intensity waned in the second half, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell finding himself less busy as the game progressed. Northern Ireland had another chance when Dale Taylor set up Price, but Simon denied him. Later, Ballard couldn’t find the right connection on a promising set-piece, and Joselu missed the last real chance of the game, firing over from ten yards out.
While Spain heads to the Euros as one of the favorites, Northern Ireland will have a chance to finish their season on a high note when they face Andorra in Murcia on Tuesday night.