Spain coach Julen Lopetegui said he was happy with "three important points" after his injury-hit side managed a straightforward 4-0 World Cup 2018 qualifier victory at home to Macedonia on Saturday evening.
Lopetegui's team eased to victory thanks to an own-goal from Macedonia defender Darko Velkovski, a far-post header from Vitolo, Nacho Monreal's volley and substitute Aritz Aduriz's neat finish.
La Roja therefore remain top of Group G on goal difference from Italy, who won 4-0 in Liechtenstein on Saturday evening, with top spot in the group likely to be decided when they meet in Spain next September.
Lopetegui told reporters after the final whistle that although Macedonia had caused his side some problems at times, in general his team had deserved their heavy win.
"Games never go exactly as you wish, but we are happy to get the three points, with a good result against a good team," he said.
"We knew how they would play, that it would be difficult to control the game. But we had very good moments, and made many chances. They had a few chances, but we are happy to get the three important points."
Spain were missing many usual starters including Diego Costa, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, and Lopetegui said those players who had come in had impressed.
"We were missing many players," he said. "But we had confidence in the players who came in, and they all did very well. The attitude of those who come in is the most important. They showed talent and ambition."
Next up for Spain is a friendly against England at Wembley next Tuesday, and Lopetegui talked up the glamour of the game while suggesting he might use the game to give more squad players a run.
"The three points today were the big thing for this week," he said.
"Now we have a fantastic game against a super national team, with great players, who are doing well lately. We are going there hoping to play a good game, and win it.
"Whoever plays it will not be about just giving someone an opportunity, as everyone here deserves to play."
Having not been chosen for Euro 2016 by previous coach Vicente Del Bosque, Vitolo has scored three goals in four qualifiers, and Lopetegui said the Sevilla winger was becoming an important part of the international setup.
"[Vitolo] is playing regularly as he responds to what we ask for," the former Spain U-21 and Porto coach said.
"He is playing well for us. He always wants to learn more, has good technique, understands the game, and is physically good. He will keep improving and be an important player for us."
Arsenal left-back Monreal is another to have received an unexpected chance to impress during this qualifying campaign.
"The truth is I am very happy, above all for the victory which we needed," Monreal said on Teledeporte after the game.
"Add my first goal for the national team and I am doubly happy. I was away for a few years, but the new coach is giving me a chance. I am here, have had a chance, and scored the goal.
"I could not ask for more."
Manchester City's David Silva was Spain captain on his 108th senior cap and provided two assists before speaking to Teledeporte.
"I had a few chances to score, but the important thing was to win," Silva said. "We created many chances and are going home happy. Games are difficult when the other team's players all sit back.
"But we scored before half-time, and then in the second half they found it more difficult due to our rhythm all game.
Athletic Bilbao striker Aduriz, 35, became the oldest goalscorer in Spain's international history, but played down the achievement when speaking afterwards.
"You always try to work your hardest to make the team," Aduriz said.
"Sometimes things go well for you. But the effort is being put in. We were missing important players. But those of us here are good players, and we showed today there is a very good team here."