Northern Ireland thrashed by Spain despite taking early lead

Spain’s Pedri celebrates (Francisco Ubilla/AP)

Daniel Ballard’s early goal had Northern Ireland dreaming of an upset but it turned into a sobering night in Mallorca as Spain ran out 5-1 winners in their final Euro 2024 tune-up.

Ballard headed Michael O’Neill’s team into a shock lead just 70 seconds in, but once Pedri had levelled from long range 10 minutes later, Spain piled on the punishment for a young Northern Ireland side.