The Spanish national team ensured they remained the leaders of Group G as they see of Macedonia.

It was an easy ride for Spain as their hosts pulled one back after David Silva and Diego Costa had scored a goal each.

The former Euro winners were confident throughout the affair. The team worked on build up play which Silva finished. Chelsea striker then combined with Real’s Isco for the second goal before the break. After the break, Spain continued to keep a lid on things until Stefan Ristovski broke away from the halfway line to pull one back – getting his first international goal.

Italy defeated Liechtenstein 5-0 to continue the chase of Spain. They are below them on goals difference. Serie A star Lorenzo Insigne opened scoring when he controlled a pass from Leonardo Spinazzola before volleying his effort into the top corner. Next, the Napoli star combined with Andrea Belotti to get another. Eder, Federico Bernardeschiand Manolo Gabbiadini added one goal each to complete the five goal rout.

In the same Group G, Armando Sadiku grabbed a brace before Ledian Memushaj added one as Albania defeated Israel 3-0.

In other qualifiers, Wales played a 1-1 draw in a highly anticipated match against Serbia. Aaron Ramsey scored from the penalty spot in the first half before Aleksandar Mitrovic equalized 17 minutes from regular time. Republic of Ireland played a draw as well against Austria in Dublin. Martin Hinteregger scored first for the Austrian side before Jonathan Walters levelled proceedings.