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As it happenedended1539291906

Wales beat Spain after double from Paco Alcacer in friendly

Harry Latham-Coyle
Thursday 11 October 2018 15:45 BST
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(Getty)

Spain produced a Cardiff masterclass to stun Wales and send a warning shot to Nations League rivals England.

Luis Enrique's stylish side strolled to a 4-1 victory on a night when Wales returned to the 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium for the first time in seven-and-a-half years.

Paco Alcacer, with a brace, and Sergio Ramos scored inside 29 minutes before substitute Marc Bartra added a fourth with a towering second-half header.

Sam Vokes headed a consolation a minute from time but it was a sobering evening for Ryan Giggs' side ahead of their Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland.

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When is it?

Wales vs Spain takes place on Thursday 11 October at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

What time does it start?

The international friendly kicks off at 7.45pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm BST.

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Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's international friendly between Wales and Spain, brought to you from Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

With kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm, we'll begin our in-depth build up at 7pm to bring you all the team news, updates and atmosphere ahead of the clash, before minute-by-minute coverage of the encounter.

But in the mean time, read Tom Williams' match preview, as Ryan Giggs called on his squad to make the most of Gareth Bale's absence and prove that Wales are more than just a one-man team.

Jack de Menezes11 October 2018 15:56
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Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 18:25
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TEAM NEWS

The visitors have named their team for tonight's fixture. Jose Gaya and Dani Ceballos win their second caps, while Rodri wins his third in midfield. The rejuvenated Paco Alcacer has been in rampant goalscoring form at Borussia Dortmund and starts on the wing, with Alvaro Morata leading the line.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 18:32
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TEAM NEWS

The hosts have also named their starting line-up. Precocious Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu starts ahead of what appears to be a back five. No Gareth Bale for Wales - Bale is struggling with a groin issue and hasn't trained since joining up with the squad.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 18:57
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There is something wonderful about Spain including a player called Rodri against Wales, even if it is lacking the customary 'h'...

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 18:59
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Ryan Giggs and Luis Enrique are the noted names in the technical areas at the Principality this evening. Twenty years ago the pair were doing battle on the pitch in the group stages of the 1998/99 Champions League in a stacked group containing Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich - all three would go on to win their domestic leagues that season, and the latter two of course contested the final in dramatic fashion.

Bizarrely, both games between Giggs' Manchester United and Enrique's Barcelona would finish 3-3,  with both Giggs and Enrique notching goals in the group opener at Old Trafford.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 19:11
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This is a friendly, with both sides back in Nations League action next week. Wales hop across the Irish Sea to take on the Republic of Ireland in Group B4, while Spain host England in Seville as they look to secure Group A4.

The sides haven't met since 1985, when Wales secured their first victory over Spain with a famous 3-0 win.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 19:27
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Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 19:29
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A big game under the lights at the Principality Stadium where Wales return after more than seven years. Kick-off is less than 15 minutes away.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 19:33
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The players are greeted by a healthy crowd at the quite magnificent Principality. Ashley Williams leads Wales in Bale's absence.

Harry Latham-Coyle11 October 2018 19:42

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