Mendoza leads Spain Under-21 to European Championship qualification

Rodrigo Mendoza, midfielder of Atlético de Madrid, was in the starting lineup of the Spain Under-21 national team in the 7-1 win over Romania in Ibiza, which guaranteed direct qualification to the European tournament for the age group that will be contested next year.

Thrashing in Ibiza

The match was played on the island of Ibiza and the emphatic 7-1 victory left the Spanish Under-21 side with qualification secured. According to Javier Gómara, the collective performance of the team coached by David Gordo made the superiority of the Spanish squad clear.

Mendoza took the helm in midfield, improving ball circulation and actively participating in the attacking phase. Before halftime, he delivered a through ball to Pablo García, who was on the pitch in the first half of the match.

In the second half, the midfielder scored two goals shortly after play resumed, when the score was already 5-1. His shot from outside the area rattled the post, demonstrating the constant threat he posed to the Romanian defence.

Other protagonists and immediate future

Salvi Esquivel, also from Atlético de Madrid, was part of the starting eleven and, after a limited performance in Romania's goal, made several decisive interventions that prevented further scores from the opponent.

In the seventh fixture for the Under-21s, Mendoza won a penalty after a brilliant individual effort in Can Misses; Iker Bravo converted from the spot. The international window also included the low‑key farewell of Kang‑in Lee, reported by Chema G. Fuente.

After the success in Ibiza, Mendoza and Esquivel will travel to Madrid tomorrow, where they will have a day off. On Thursday they will be under the guidance of Diego Simeón to prepare for Saturday's visit to Deportivo Alavés in Mendizorroza.

With qualification already in the bag, the Spanish Under-21 team is focusing on fine‑tuning its play before the European tournament, with confidence boosted by the brilliant performance of its star midfielder.