Spain bounced back from a disappointing loss to France last week to ease past Macedonia in its opening Group C match in Euro 2016 qualifying while Russia benefitted from two own goals in its win over Liechtenstein.

Following a disastrous World Cup where the team got knocked out of the group stage, Spain began its defence of its European crown with 5-1 thrashing of the Macedonians in Valencia’s Mestella Stadium.

Following early efforts from either side – with Ibraimi forcing a top save from Iker Casillas off a freekick and Cesc Fabregas curling just wide for Spain – Sergio Ramos put Spain ahead with a penanka of a penalty after 15 minutes.

Paco Alcácer then made it 2-0 for Spain just two minutes later, benefitting from a good combination between David Silva and Juanfran in the build up.

The quickfire goals rattled the visitors as Spain threatened to run away with the tie until the 28th minute when Ibraimi converted from the penalty after Juanfran tackled Trajkovski in the area.

The Europeans champions were undeterred by Ibraimi’s goal back for Macedonia and eventually restored their two-goal lead in first half stoppage time courtesy of Sergio Busquets’ deflected effort.

David Silva made it 4-1 five minutes into the second half, while he, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro went close for Spain before the latter sealed the result with a 90th minute goal.

As a result, Spain lead Group C after the opening round of matches, with Slovakia in second spot following a 1-0 win at Ukraine while Luxembourg and Belarus shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile in Group G, own goals from Martin Buechel and Franz Burgmeier four minutes into each half had Russia two goals up at home to Liechtenstein before a penalty from Dmitri Kombarov further extended Russia’s lead.

Artem Dzyuba scored Russia’s fourth after 65 minutes as the 2018 World Cup hosts ended the opening round of matches in Group G on top, ahead of Montenegro that beat Moldova 2-0 through goals from Mirko Vucinic and Zarko Tomasevic.

And the third match in Group G saw Sweden hold Austria to a 1-1 draw in Vienna.