Diego Costa puts Chelsea transfer troubles behind him to score decisive Spanish goal in Macedonia
Spain run out 2-1 winners as David Silva continues his goal rush with fourth strike in as many international games
DIEGO COSTA put the speculation surrounding his future behind him with the winner as Spain beat Macedonia 2-1.
Victory kept the Spaniards in pole position in World Cup qualifying Group G.
David Silva also scored for the fourth international running as Julen Lopetegui's men made a fast start in Skopje.
Chelsea striker Costa is heavily linked with moves to AC Milan or the Chinese Super League after receiving a text from manager Antonio Conte saying he is not part of next season's plans.
But he didn't let that affect him in netting his fifth goal of the campaign before the break.
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Stefan Ristovski scored a splendid first international goal as Macedonia threatened a second-half fightback,.
But Spain held on to stay ahead of Italy, who beat Liechtenstein, on goal difference.
They are unbeaten under Lopetegui with a potentially decisive match against Italy in Madrid to come in September.
Silva put Spain ahead after 15 minutes.
Andres Iniesta chipped impressively into the path of onrushing Barca team-mate Jordi Alba and his cutback found Silva,.
His neat turn allowed the Manchester City midfielder to produce a right-footed finish past keeper Stole Dimitrievski from eight yards.
Twelve minutes later Isco showed dazzling footwork to beat defender Kire Ristevski and square pass for Costa to score from three yards.
Macedonia's consolation goal came in the 66th minute when Ristovski raced on to a clever flick from Goran Pandev on the halfway line.
He completely outpaced Sergio Ramos and unleashed a belter past David de Gea.
