To Russia with boos. Spain sealed top spot in Group G and automatic qualification for next summer's World Cup with a comprehensive victory over Albania in Alicante that was effectively all over inside half an hour. It was a quite superb showing from Julen Lopetegui's side, sadly marred by the fans' treatment of Gerard Pique.
The Barcelona defender has been in the eye of the storm over the past few days due to Sunday's referendum in Catalunya, when he spoke emotionally after his side's 3-0 win over Las Palmas, played behind closed doors as a protest at the brutal violence by Spanish police against Catalan citizens.
The Barcelona defender has been in the eye of the storm over the past few days due to Sunday's referendum in Catalunya, when he spoke emotionally after his side's 3-0 win over Las Palmas, played behind closed doors as a protest at the brutal violence by Spanish police against Catalan citizens.