REACHING OUT

Spain will attempt to put offfield issues aside and take another significant step towards World Cup qualification this evening when they host Albania in Alicante.

The 2010 world champions are within touching distance of securing top spot in Group G, lying three points ahead of second-placed Italy heading into their final two qualifiers and boasting a superior goal difference to the Azzurri.

However, the build-up to La Roja’s matches against Albania and Israel has been overshadowed by this week’s events in Catalonia, where hundreds of people were injured in clashes with police in Barcelona as they voted in an independence referendum which had been declared illegal by the Spanish government.

The outcome of the referendum, which saw around 90 per cent of those who voted back Catalonia’s bid to become an independent republic, could have far-reaching implications for the whole of Spain – including sport. Julen

“Being on the end of insults and whistles isn’t pleasant for anyone. But I’m here to try and turn it round”

GERARD PIQUE