Spain take on Albania having already secured their place in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 and clinched the top spot in Group B ahead of their match at the Merkur-Spiel Arena in Dusseldorf.
Following a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia and a 1-0 win against reigning champions Italy, La Roja could use this game to rest key players ahead of the knockout stages.
Albania, on the other hand, managed to salvage a point with a last-minute 2-2 draw against Croatia, positioning them third in the group and still in with a chance of making the next phase.
They still have a shot at overtaking Italy for second place, but need an upset and win against a La Roja side who have been impressive so far. A draw would not suffice if Croatia were to defeat Italy simultaneously in Leipzig.
The Sporting News is following Albania vs. Spain live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
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Spain vs. Albania live score
1st HalfGoal scorersAlbania— Spain—
Venue: Merkur Spiel-Arena (Dusseldorf)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
Predicted lineups:
Albania (4-2-3-1): Strakosha (GK) — Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Asllani, Ramadani — Asani, Laci, Bajrami — Manaj.
Spain (4-3-3): Raya (GK) — Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo — Merino, Zubimendi, Baena — Torres, Joselu, Oyarzabal.
MORE: Who will win Euro 2024 Golden Boot?
Spain vs. Albania live updates, highlights from Euro 2024
1 hour 40 mins before kickoff: Spain have arguably been the most impressive of all the sides we’ve seen at Euro 2024 so far, and are one of only two sides still holding 100 per cent records with the final round of group games well underway.
A 3-0 demolition of Croatia, with all goals scored in the first half, was one hell of an early statement, and although they weren’t anywhere near as clinical against Italy last time out, La Roja were still more than worthy winners as they defeated the defending champions 1-0.
2 hours before kickoff: Welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of Albania vs. Spain. With Spain already topping the group, Lamine Yamal is expected to be rested today but that won’t stop us taking a look at these incredible numbers ahead of this Group B clash.
Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024 so far:
🎯joint-most big chances created – 3
⚡️2nd most successful dribbles – 7
16 years of age. An incredible mix of a dribbler and creator. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/xYGnDGW5YF
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) June 23, 2024
Spain vs. Albania kickoff time
This Euro 2024 match kicks off from Merkur-Spiel Arena on Monday, June 24 at 9:00 p.m. local time in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:
DateKickoff timeUSA/CanadaMon, Jun. 243 p.m. ETUSA/CanadaMon, Jun. 2412 p.m. PTUKMon, Jun. 248 p.m. BSTAustraliaMon, Jun. 255 a.m. AESTIndiaMon, Jun. 2512:30 a.m. IST
Euro 2024 Group B standings
PosTeamGPPtsW-D-LGD1.Spain (Q)262-0-0+42.Italy231-0-103.Albania210-1-1-14.Croatia210-1-1-3
Q = Qualified for Round of 16
Spain vs. Albania lineups, team news, starting 11
Albania head coach Sylvinho is expected to have access to a fully-fit contingent for Monday’s pivotal Euro 2024 Group B clash against Spain in Dusseldorf.
He will, however, be without forward Mirlind Daku after he was suspended by UEFA for two games after using a megaphone to lead fans in chanting offensive remarks against Macedonia and Serbia at the European Championship.
Despite his exploits as a substitute scoring the last-gasp equalizer against Croatia in Albania’s last game, veteran midfielder Klaus Gjasula may be kept on the bench, with Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani being the first-choice options, while fellow goalscorer Qazim Laci should continue in the advanced role.
Armando Broja was dropped from the attack, but Rey Manaj faces a fight to keep his place in the attacking trio alongside Jasir Asani and Nedim Bajrami.
Albania predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Strakosha — Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Laci, Bajrami — Manaj.
Albania subs (max 15): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
Having already guaranteed their progression to the last 16 of the tournament as group winners, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to make plenty of changes to his starting 11, although one of his replacements will be a forced one due to Rodri’s suspension.
The Manchester City defensive midfielder will face a one-match ban after picking up two yellow cards in two games, while Nacho (muscle) and Ayoze Perez (hamstring) will be sidelined as well.
With Nacho’s injury, Aymeric Laporte may be obligated to play a third straight game for La Roja, possibly along with Dani Vivian at the back, with Robin Le Normand only a booking away from a suspension.
Brentford’s Arsenal loanee David Raya could replace Unai Simon in between the sticks, while Alejandro Grimaldo and 38-year-old Jesus Navas should serve as the full-backs.
Martin Zubimendi could fill in for Rodri, while his Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino and Villarreal’s Alex Baena could form a three-man midfield behind a new-look attack featuring Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal on the flanks and Joselu down the middle.
Spain predicted lineup (4-3-3): Raya — Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo — Merino, Zubimendi, Baena — Torres, Joselu, Oyarzabal.
Spain subs (max 15): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
Spain vs. Albania live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Euro 2024 match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
TV channelStreamingUSAFS1Fubo, Sling, Fox Sports app/website, ViXCanadaTSN2, TVA Sports 2TVA+UKBBC TwoiPlayer and BBC Sport websiteAustralia —Optus SportIndia Sony Ten 2, 3JioTV, Sony LIV