Alvaro Morata dedicates Spain win to coach Luis Enrique after he missed Euro 2020 qualifier in Malta for personal reasons

Alvaro Morata dedicated Spain's 2-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Malta to coach Luis Enrique, who missed the match at the National Stadium - Ta'Qali for personal reasons.

Assistant Robert Moreno took charge of the team, which showed some nine changes from Saturday's victory over Norway in Valencia.

Morata, on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when he latched onto a chip from Mario Hermoso to slot a neat angled finish under the goalkeeper.

Malta, who had camped out in front of their own penalty area for long spells, were finally opened up again in the 73rd minute when Jesus Navas' cross from the right was headed in by Morata.

Spain's comfortable, if not comprehensive, victory sees them top of Group F, with maximum points from their opening two matches.

'Today we had more motivation to win for our coach. He deserves this,' Morata told reporters, as quoted by Spanish media outlet Marca. 'We hope things go as well as possible for him.'