Alcacer double helps Spain ease to 4-1 win over Wales

Spain continued their sparkling start to life under Luis Enrique with a 4-1 win away to Wales in a friendly on Thursday helped by two goals from Paco Alcacer as they earned a third straight win since their former Barcelona manager took charge.

Alcacer continued his rampant form by smashing the ball into the top corner in the eighth minute at the Principality Stadium, scoring for the fifth game in a row after netting seven times in his last four outings for Borussia Dortmund.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos doubled the lead with a header from Suso's freekick in the 19th and striker Alcacer volleyed his second after a defensive mix-up before the half-hour mark.

Paco Alcacer was nothing less than a meteor for Spain as he continues to rediscover his best form since leaving Barcelona | @IanHerbs https://t.co/ZstFOq3H2w pic.twitter.com/ERgGXgqElQ

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) October 12, 2018

Defender Marc Bartra, who like Alcacer played under Enrique at Barca, got his first international goal with a header from a corner in the 74th, Spain's 12th strike under the new coach after beating Croatia 6-0 and England 2-1 in the Nations League.

Man. On. Fire. 🔥🔥

Paco Alcacer's insane start to the season continues with 2 goals in his first cap for Spain since March 2016. pic.twitter.com/lXk89MlFUv

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 11, 2018

Wales striker Sam Vokes got a consolation for Ryan Giggs' side in the 89th, heading a David Brooks cross beyond goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who replaced David de Gea in the second half.

Wales were without injured Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, although he watched from the stands and was honoured on the pitch at halftime for becoming his country's record scorer last March when he overtook Ian Rush's tally of 28 goals.

The home side's injury problems worsened when teenager Ethan Ampadu was forced off early in the second half.

Both sides are in Nations League action next week with Spain hosting England on Monday and Wales visiting Ireland on Tuesday.

Luis Enrique: “I am delighted with the performances of Suso, Morata and Paco Alcacer.” pic.twitter.com/ouP3SRV6xc

— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) October 11, 2018