Spain beats Ukraine 1-0 in Euro 2016 qualifier

SEVILLA, Spain— Alvaro Morata scored in his first start for Spain to secure a 1-0 win at home over Ukraine in a European championship qualifier on Friday.

The Juventus forward chipped in the game’s only goal in the 18th minute after receiving an exquisite pass from Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion.

Ukraine improved in the second half through Ruslan Rotan, but the midfielder couldn’t beat goalkeeper Iker Casillas on three occasions.

Spain moved into second place in Group C, three points ahead of Ukraine in third.

Slovakia remained the group leader after beating Luxembourg 3-0, while Belarus fought back 2-1 at Macedonia.

A minute of silence was held at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in memory of victims of the Germanwings airplane tragedy.