We’re into extra time in Moscow as Spain and Russia remain tied at 1-1 after a scrappy second half to their World Cup last-16 clash.
Andres Iniesta’s place in midfield was taken by Koke, who partnered Sergio Busquets in a double pivot, while Marco Asensio lined up on the left wing, with Thiago Alcantara making way.
Elsewhere, Nacho Fernandez came in for Dani Carvajal at right-back, although the trio were available to Fernando Hierro during the game.
As for Russia, defender Igor Smolnikov was suspended and attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev was ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with injury.
Nonetheless, Coach Stanislav Cherchesov brought his big boys back in Moscow, among them Chelsea and Juventus target Aleksandr Golovin, although Denis Cheryshev dropped to the substitutes’ bench.
La Roja were heavy favourites to win the knockout clash but had never beaten a host nation at a major tournament in nine previous attempts.
More to follow…
ET: Spain 1-1 Russia
Ignashevich og 42 (S) Dzyuba pen 42 (R)
Spain: De Gea; Nacho (Carvajal 70), Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Asensio (Rodrigo 104), Isco; Silva (Iniesta 67); Costa (Aspas 80)
Russia: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kudriashov; Kuziaev (Erokhin 97), Zobnin; Samedov (Cheryshev 61), Golovin, Zhirkov (Granat 46); Dzyuba (Smolov 65)
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