Álvaro double helps Spain cruise to finals

Defending champions Spain completed a comfortable play-off victory against Denmark as Álvaro Vázquez struck twice in the second half in Aalborg to confirm progress to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals.

Despite the absence of Rodrigo, who scored four for Julen Lopetegui's side in Thursday's 5-0 first-leg triumph, Denmark enjoyed no respite and their slim hopes were well and truly dashed when Iker Muniain extended Spain's advantage in the 24th minute. It was a tough break for the hosts, who had controlled most of the play during the opening quarter, but they could do nothing as Isco's superb ball split the defence, allowing Martín Montoya to burst into the box and lay off unselfishly for Muniain.

With the tie as good as won, Spain slowed the pace down after the interval yet retained the efficiency in front of goal which characterised their performance over the two legs. Just after the hour, Christian Tello conjured the perfect pass for Álvaro and the Getafe CF forward showed no mercy in bringing the aggregate score to 7-0.

Their chances may have vanished, but Denmark refused to go quietly and David de Gea was forced into two excellent second-half saves, while Viktor Fischer and Daniel Høegh both struck the woodwork. A consolation finally came in added time when Anders Christiansen turned past the goalkeeper, yet there was still time for Álvaro to round off proceedings in the 92nd minute and emphatically rubber-stamp Spain's ticket to Israel.