Spain have one foot in next year's World Cup in Russia thanks to a 3-0 win over Italy in the recent round of qualifying matches.
Graham Hunter joined Thursday's Off the Ball to chart the progress of the former World Champions who appear to have their mojo back.
Speaking to Dave McIntyre and Kevin Kilbane, Hunter said: "It was a 3-0 win over Italy which I don't think comes cheap even though Ventura has been criticised at home, even though it's patently clear with Chiellini dropping out at the last minute - we've seen harder-nosed Italian teams. This was a really good game.
"Italy could have easily scored. It was competitive and the quality of the three goals that Spain scored were absolutely phenomenal.
"Italy are a side where nothing irrelevant happens between Italy and Spain on a football field. It always means something, even in friendlies. Usually in friendlies, Spain have found Italy indigestible.
"The colossal gains of 2008 in the quarter-final and the penalty shoot-out win for Spain, the 2012 final which was...one of the top three of four (greatest) international finals ever.
"Then Italy really turning Spain over, the margin wasn't huge, what was it 2-0 in 2016 but it nailed shut 'was this really the final chapter of the Del Bosque era?'
"And here they are in this knock-out game in the Bernabeu - they were fabulous from start to finish. Isco was utterly brilliant. Morata comes on a scores - his take/turn to the feet of Ramos, who's back playing at right-back.
"Morata showing he is a man for all seasons. A man who can play in the centre-forward role, he can play wide, he can drop deep and even though he is built like a nine - and plays like a nine at Chelsea - my point is that he handles what Conte asks of him which is the direct, quick-to-the-centre-forwar ball at Chelsea," he added.
The full discussion can be heard here along with a preview of the clash between Man City and Liverpool:
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