Oyarzabal's Hat-Trick Powers Spain To A 5-0 Win Over Andorra In Euro 2024 Warm-Up

Mikel Oyarzabal has made a compelling case for inclusion in Spain's final Euro 2024 squad after his hat-trick in Wednesday's 5-0 friendly win over Andorra. Real Betis forward Ayose Perez marked his international debut with a 24th-minute opener in Badajoz, capitalising on Pau Cubarsi's headed assist to put the hosts ahead.

Perez further bolstered his European Championship prospects with a smart assist after the break, setting up a tap-in for Oyarzabal. The Real Sociedad forward then added his second goal of the game after 66 minutes. Oyarzabal completed his treble just seven minutes later before Ferran Torres netted a fifth goal, ensuring Spain's comfortable victory just 10 days before their Euros opener against Croatia.

Oyarzabal is now the second player to score a hat-trick for Spain under Luis de la Fuente, following Alvaro Morata's feat against Georgia in September 2023. The Real Sociedad player accounted for 2.61 of La Roja's 3.89 expected goals (xG), while Andorra managed just 0.08 xG, leaving David Raya largely untested.

Spain will face Northern Ireland in their final warm-up match on Saturday, providing another opportunity for players to impress before the European Championship begins.

The friendly match saw Ayose Perez making an immediate impact on his international debut. His 24th-minute goal came from a well-placed header by Pau Cubarsi, giving Spain an early lead. Perez continued to shine by assisting Oyarzabal's first goal after the break.

Oyarzabal's performance was the highlight of the match. His first goal came from Perez's assist, and he followed it up with two more goals within seven minutes, showcasing his scoring prowess. Ferran Torres added the final touch with Spain's fifth goal, sealing a dominant performance.

Looking Ahead

Spain's next challenge comes against Northern Ireland in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024. This fixture will be crucial for players like Oyarzabal and Perez to cement their places in the squad. With their opening match against Croatia looming, Spain will aim to fine-tune their strategies and ensure peak performance as they head into the tournament.

The friendly against Andorra provided valuable insights into Spain's current form and potential lineup for Euro 2024. The team's dominant performance and individual brilliance from players like Oyarzabal and Perez offer promising signs for their campaign ahead.

The upcoming match against Northern Ireland will be another opportunity for Spain to test their mettle and make final adjustments before the European Championship kicks off.