Both France and Spain could still hear the disappointment of their recent past echoing around the changing rooms as they headed towards the Stade de France tunnel on Tuesday night. The stadium where both their EURO 2016 campaigns dramatically ended served as a springboard for the future as Paris hosted a heavyweight international friendly.
A new generation of players were thrown into the mix as both nations took a break from World Cup Qualifying to go head-to-head at the national stadium. Both nations will have sights on reclaiming their World Champions title in Russia next year, but for now it's about fine-tuning and laying the foundations for success, and on this night it was Spain who put down a marker of intent with a 2-0 victory over Les Bleus.
A significant night in the fact that Antoine Griezmann can lay claim to being the first player to have a goal chalked off using video referral technology and Spain's Gerard Deulofeu owing the same technology for his that stood. Sitting just to the north of Paris the Stade de France has witnessed more than most stadiums in its short time hosting major events – from legendary triumphs on the pitch to the saddest state of humanity away from it – each event making the venue a feature of solidarity and strength amongst the passionate French supporters and those it welcomes as visitors.
Goals from David Silva and Deulofeu ensured the bragging rights went home with Spain in a match that will be remembered more for a successful, if somewhat slow, Video Assistant Referee trial, rather than the scoreline. A full house, two proud footballing nations, superstar players filling pitches and benches; we went behind the lens to make international break week that bit prettier.
