Spain's national football team will play their final group stage match against Albania without key player Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder will miss the game after receiving his second yellow card in as many matches at the Euro 2024 tournament. This suspension comes as a result of a new rule implemented to prevent players from crowding the referee. According to this rule, only the team captain is allowed to speak to the referee, and any other player who does so can be booked.

Rodri's absence is due to this new rule. He was booked during Spain's 1-0 win over Italy for complaining to the official just before halftime. This yellow card, combined with another he received in Spain's 3-0 victory against Croatia, means he will be suspended for the match against Albania on Monday. The 27-year-old’s absence will be a significant loss for Spain as they aim to complete the group stage with a perfect record.

Spain's strong performance

Despite Rodri's suspension, Spain's performance in Euro 2024 has been impressive. Their victory over Italy secured their place in the last 16 of the tournament and ensured they will finish at the top of their group. This achievement gives them a more favorable draw in the knockout stages. Spain, who won the Euros in 2008 and 2012, are one of only two teams, along with hosts Germany, to have already qualified for the knockout rounds.

Rodri's contribution to Spain's success cannot be overlooked. In the match against Italy, he had a perfect passing record in the opposition half, completing all 58 of his passes. This feat is the highest in a Euros game since 1980, surpassing the records set by Belgium's Dedryck Boyata against Finland in Euro 2020 and Denmark's Andreas Christensen against Slovenia earlier in the current tournament. His ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball efficiently has been crucial for Spain.

Spain will aim to maintain their winning streak and make it three victories from three games when they face Albania. Even without Rodri, the team is expected to perform well, as they have shown strong form throughout the tournament so far. The Spanish squad is known for its depth and talent, and other players will need to step up in Rodri's absence.

Spain's head coach will need to adjust his strategy to account for Rodri's absence. The defensive midfielder has been crucial in maintaining the team's structure and control in the midfield. His ability to break up opposition plays and distribute the ball efficiently has been a key part of Spain's game plan. The coach will likely look to other players to step up and fill the gap left by Rodri.

Preparing for the knockout stages

Spain's upcoming match against Albania will be an opportunity for other players to shine. The team has a deep squad with plenty of talent ready to step in. This match will also be a chance for Spain to continue building momentum as they head into the knockout stages of the tournament.

The players will need to focus on maintaining their discipline to avoid further suspensions, especially as the stakes get higher in the knockout rounds. Spain's ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial in their quest for another European Championship title.

Spain will have to face Albania without their star midfielder Rodri, who is suspended due to accumulating yellow cards. Despite this setback, Spain has shown strong form in Euro 2024, securing their place in the last 16 and topping their group. Rodri's absence will be felt, but Spain's depth and talent should help them continue their successful run. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in their final group stage match and look forward to their journey in the knockout stages.