Alejandra Torres-Quevedo’s first half double got Spain on the road to their first win of the women’s EuroHockey Championship as Italy fell to their second defeat. 

After three waves of recycled ball, the ball broke to the left of the D where she used her reverse to slot home the chance.

And just before half-time, Maria Lopez cracked the ball down the barrel at serious pace where Torres-Quevedo ramped it up and over Lucia Caruso.

Italy did enjoy a strong third quarter in which Federica Carta led the line, causing problems with her sharp skills and drawing the best from Clara Perez.

But Spain held firm – and were denied a third goal on video reviews – to give their competition hopes a big boost ahead of their must-win game against Belgium in two days time.

Speaking afterward, Torres-Quevedo said: “It was really tough but we got that three points and that was the important thing to stay alive in the competition and now we have a quarter-final against Belgium.

“We have to look at the match and see what we can do better. We have room to improve but we believe in ourselves and we can do it. As for the two goals, I am not really goalscorer so I am a bit surprised but really happy!”

Women’s Pool A: Spain 2 (A Torres-Quevedo) Italy 0