David Silva struck twice and David Villa netted his 50th international goal as Spain wrecked Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 with a 3-1 win in Group I on Tuesday.
The Scots would have clinched a playoff berth by beating the world and European champions, who had already reached the finals in Ukraine and Poland, but second spot went instead to Czech Republic who triumphed 4-1 in Lithuania.
Spain went ahead in the sixth minute when Villa sent debutant full back Jordi Alba clear down the left and he crossed for Silva to sweep a first-time shot past keeper Allan McGregor.
Manchester City playmaker Silva made it 2-0 shortly before halftime before laying the ball off in the 54th minute for Villa to grab his 50th goal on his 80th appearance.
Substitute David Goodwillie scored a consolation for the Scots from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after he was hauled down by goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Valdes was making a rare start in place of captain Iker Casillas as coach Vicente del Bosque gave some of his second-string players a runout.
"As you can see we have a lot of options," Del Bosque told a news conference. "It's healthy for the group getting everyone involved and having everyone feel useful.
Spain's victory, their 14th in a row in competitive games since losing 1-0 to Switzerland at the World Cup finals in South Africa last year, meant they completed a second consecutive perfect qualifying campaign with eight wins out of eight.
They also won all 10 of their matches to make it through to the 2010 World Cup.
Spain's David Silva celebrates with teammate Santi Cazorla after scoring against Scotland during their Euro 2012 qualifying Group I soccer match at the Perez Rico Stadium in Alicante
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