Evening all! Sports Mole's live international friendly coverage continues from the wonderful Wanda Metroplitano stadium in Madrid as Spain host Argentina. There are no points or indeed prizes on offer tonight, but it will give both teams an indication of their standing ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Stay tuned for what should be a fascinating game of football from Madrid!

Tonight will be the 14th meeting between Spain and Argentina in international football. Spain have won five of the previous 13, with Argentina picking up six wins. Their last meeting was a friendly back in September 2010, and Argentina recorded a 4-1 win over the then world champions on that particular occasion courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Any changes from their respective matches against Germany and Italy on Friday night? Let's run through the two XIs that will start this match at the Wanda Metropolitano...

TEAMS!

SPAIN: De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Thiago, Koke, Iniesta; Asensio, Costa, Isco

ARGENTINA: Romero; Bustos, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico; Biglia, Mascherano, Banega, Lo Celso, Meza; Higuain

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has made two changes to the team that started the 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday night. Marco Asensio has come in for David Silva, while Diego Costa replaces Rodrigo at centre-forward. Koke keeps his spot in midfield alongside Andres Iniesta and Thiago, while Gerard Pique is fit despite concerns that the centre-back would miss out. It is a very strong Spain XI.

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As for Argentina, Lionel Messi is again absent through injury, but there are spots in the XI for the likes of Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain, while Independiente midfielder Maximiliano Meza makes his international debut. Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi again starts for Argentina, but Manuel Lanzini, who scored against Italy on Friday night, is unavailable due to a slight injury problem.

So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in Madrid. I shall speak about Argentina little bit later, but let's start with Spain. Julen Lopetegui's side will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with world champions Germany on Friday night, and it must be said that was a terrific game of football between two world-class international teams.

12,5% - Argentina have only won 12,5% of South American 2018 World Cup Qualifying games without Leo Messi compared to 60% when he has played. Dependence pic.twitter.com/47V8C8H6cc — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2018

Valencia forward Rodrigo sent Spain ahead in the sixth minute of Friday's match with the world champions, before Thomas Muller levelled for Germany in the latter stages of the first period. The quality on display was excellent, and it would be a big surprise if Spain and indeed Germany were not major challengers for the 2018 World Cup, which is shaping up to be fascinating tournament.

After tonight's match, Spain will not be in action until they face Switzerland at the start of June, before taking on Tunisia in their final friendly ahead of this summer's tournament. Spain will open their World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 15, and will also take on Iran and Morocco as they bid to make the knockout round of the tournament. That opener with Portugal could be some match.

Spain landed the 2010 World Cup, but failed to make it out of the group stages in the 2014 competition, which was a major disappointment. The days of Vicente del Bosque are gone, and now under the leadership of Lopetegui, Spain will be looking to make their mark on the biggest stage once again.

1987 - The Spanish national team haven´t lost a game played in Madrid since February 1987, 2-4 vs England (W12 D3). Solid. pic.twitter.com/c409DDTHVR — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2018

As for Argentina, the South American nation recorded a 2-0 win against Italy at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini scored the goals for an Argentina team that were without the injured Messi, which is again the case tonight. If Messi can find his best form at the World Cup then Argentina must be considered as one of the favourites to triumph.

Jorge Sampaoli's side actually lost 4-2 to Nigeria before the win over Italy, and it was not all plain sailing when it comes to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Indeed, they only won seven of their 18 qualification matches, but finished third behind Brazil and Uruguay to book their spot at the finals.

Argentina, who will take on Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in the group stages of this summer's tournament, last won the World Cup in 1986. They reached the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but lost 1-0 to Germany as Mario Gotze netted in extra-time. Can they go one better in Russia?

#VamosArgentina Así formará el conjunto nacional 🇦🇷 para el amistoso ante #España 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/wjzXZ04tIn — Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 27, 2018

Just a reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...

SPAIN: De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Thiago, Koke, Iniesta; Asensio, Costa, Isco

ARGENTINA: Romero; Bustos, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico; Biglia, Mascherano, Banega, Lo Celso, Meza; Higuain

Here we go then; both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at Atletico Madrid's wonderful Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Let's hope for an open and entertaining game of football!

KICKOFF! Spain kick things off in Madrid...

... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Spain are in white here, with Argentina in their dark blue strip. It is a big shame that Messi is not in action!

Bright work from Asensio as the Real Madrid attacker collects a pass from Isco inside the Argentina box before looking to deliver towards Costa, but Romero is on hand to make the claim. As expected, Spain have taken control of the ball in the early moments as Argentina drop into a 4-2-3-1 shape.

Argentina have a free kick in a dangerous area as Ramos brings Higuain to the deck...

... the free kick is wasted, and Spain resume the play from De Gea.

Higuain's presence is causing Pique and Ramos some problems here, with the Juventus forward alert to the passes that the likes of Banega and Meza are trying to find. It has been a high-quality first seven minutes in Madrid, although we are still waiting for the first chance of the night.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Argentina as Meza finds Higuain with a super cross from the left, but the Juventus striker somehow places the ball over the crossbar from close range!

Spain started on the front foot, but Argentina are playing some really good football at the moment as they continue to work the ball into wide positions. I am still trying to get over that miss from Higuain!

Spain are yet to carve out a chance in this match, but they have had a lot of the ball in the last minute or two, with Alba and Carvajal pressed high up the field. The tempo is very high at the moment.

Spain take the lead in the 12th minute of this match as Costa races onto a loose ball inside the Argentina box before managing to sweep home before Romero can make contact. The Manchester United goalkeeper does clash with Costa, however, and that leaves both players on the ground!

Good possession for Argentina since the goal as they look to hit back in the Spanish capital.

Asensio and Isco are linking very well in the final third of the field for Spain, while Costa looks full of energy in a central position. Argentina just need to be careful that they do not concede a second during a period which is being dominated by the home team. The quality of this match is excellent.

Just a reminder that Argentina are without Messi tonight through injury. Higuain has been bright for the visitors in the opening 19 minutes, but he missed a really good chance early on, and has just had a shot blocked into the arms of De Gea. Still 1-0 Spain as the first period continues to gather pace.

Not too much to report in the last minute or two aside from Spain popping the ball around in midfield.

ARGENTINA SUB! Romero is replaced by Caballero as the Manchester United goalkeeper cannot continue following that collision with Costa.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Argentina as Meza is released by Lo Celso inside the Spain box, but Ramos is across at the final moment to make a wonderful last-ditch challenge!

Argentina are just starting to pick holes here, but Spain are so dangerous on the break.

MISS! Alba fires high and wide of the crossbar after finding himself all alone inside the Argentina box following a cross from the opposite wide. Opportunities at both ends here.

Isco doubles Spain's lead in the 27th minute as the Real Madrid attacker places a low Asensio cross into the bottom corner of the net. Argentina all over the place at the back once again!

It must be said that Asensio has been sensational for Spain in the opening 30 minutes of this match. Two assists for the Real Madrid superstar, and Argentina just cannot seem to handle him.

Half-chance for Argentina as Tagliafico breaks down the left before feeding Meza, but the attacker's effort is blocked by Ramos. We have not seen too much from Higuain in the last 10 minutes or so.

Another half-chance for Argentina as Lo Celso carries the ball to the edge of the Spain box before having a go, but De Gea is on hand to make a very comfortable save.

Pique does not look too happy here as he holds his knee following a pass..

Spain were very good for long stages of their 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, and the 2010 world champions have again been impressive here. Favourites for this summer's tournament? For me, yes.

Argentina have one back in the Spanish capital as Manchester City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi rises highest inside the penalty box to head past De Gea, who might have done better!

Having watched a replay of the Argentina goal, there is no question that De Gea will feel that he should have done a lot better. Otamendi's effort lacked power, but somehow managed to bounce into the bottom corner. Spain are back on the attack through Isco, although his low cross is cleared.

Quite a sloppy last few minutes as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. There is a sense of ill-feeling in this match as both sets of players continue to bite into tackles.

We are into the first and only added minute at the end of the first period.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading Argentina 2-1 in Madrid. Goals from Costa and Isco saw Spain take a 2-0 lead on the night, but Argentina netted in the 39th minute through Otamendi. It has been a brilliant and indeed open game of football here.

STATISTICS! The two teams have shared the possession with 50% each, but Argentina have had more shots - six to Spain's five. Argentina have also had more attempts on target, with Spain more clinical in the final third of the field. No bookings to report, although there have been 16 fouls already here.

BENCH WATCH! Correa, Martinez, Paredes, Perez and Perotti are among those that will hope to feature for Argentina in the second half. However, as mentioned, there is once again no Messi for the South Americans. Spain, meanwhile, have the likes of Aspas, Vazquez, Saul and Rodrigo in reserve.

RESTART! Argentina resume the action here...

... SPAIN SUB! Aspas replaces Costa for the home side.

No changes from Argentina at the interval, and just the one for Spain. However, both managers will utilise their bench as the second period gathers pace. Let's hope for more goals in Madrid.

Argentina have a free kick in a decent area as Thiago brings Lo Celso to the deck...

... Banega attempts to dink the ball into Tagliafico, but the weight is too strong.

Argentina have had a lot of the ball in the early stages of the second period, and Lo Celso is causing problems when he has the chance to turn and run at the Spain defence. Still 2-1 to the home side.

Spain have their third of the night as Aspas races clear of the Argentina defence before turning and feeding Isco, who places the ball into the bottom corner of the net!

SPAIN SUB! Iniesta is replaced by Saul for Spain.

Spain have their fourth of the match as Thiago sweeps home following a mix-up inside the Argentina box. Poor defending, but it was another fine finish from a Spanish player!

ARGENTINA SUB! Pavon replaces Mascherano for Argentina.

ARGENTINA SUB! Martinez replaces Higuain for Argentina.

Little under 30 minutes of football remaining here, and Spain are looking for more goals. This is a result that will send out a serious message ahead of the 2018 World Cup. No doubt about that.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Ramos sweeps home for Spain, but the whistle had been blown.

ARGENTINA SUB! Perez replaces Banega for Argentina.

ARGENTINA SUB! Mercado replaces Bustos for Argentina.

A penny for the thoughts of Messi, who is watching on from the stands in Madrid.

We have still not had a yellow card in this match despite a number of late challenges. Saul is the latest individual to commit a foul, and the resulting free kick causes De Gea some concern.

POST! Otamendi's header from a deep free kick hits the post!

BOOKINGS! Tagliafico (Argentina) and Isco (Spain) are both booked following a clash!

Tagliafico has just flown into the back of Aspas, and the left-back is fortunate to escape a second yellow card. Tempers are certainly boiling over here as late challenges continue to arrive.

SPAIN SUB! Azpilicueta replaces Pique for Spain.

Spain have their fifth of the match as one long ball completely deceives Argentina, and Aspas races clear before finding the back of the net with a simple finish!

Spain have their sixth of the match as Aspas settles on the ball inside the Argentina box before feeding Isco, who smashes the ball into the bottom corner for his third of the night!

SPAIN SUB! Isco is replaced by Vazquez for the home side.

Spain are not finished here as Alba breaks into the Argentina box before delivering, but Otamendi makes the block. Messi has just left his position in the stands - he cannot watch this any more!

SPAIN SUB! Alba is replaced by Alonso for the home side.

BOOKING! Meza (Argentina) is booked for a poor challenge on Carvajal.

SPAIN SUB! Thiago is replaced by Parejo for Spain.

ARGENTINA SUB! Lo Celso is replaced by Acuna.

It has been a very scrappy second half in terms of challenges, with tonight's English referee having plenty to keep him busy in the second 45 minutes. Little under five minutes remaining here.

BOOKING! Rojo (Argentina) is booked for a poor tackle on Asensio.

Argentina are pressing forward as we enter the latter stages of this match, but nothing is working for the South American team in the final third of the field. The handbags are out again, meanwhile.

BOOKING! Pavon (Argentina) is booked for a foul on Koke.

Ramos charged in to make his point, and the centre-back is fortunate to stay on the field!

The referee brings the second period to a close with Spain running out 6-1 winners over Argentina in the Spanish capital. What a performance from the 2010 world champions. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!