Luis Enrique’s side then contented themselves with seeing out the game, extending to 14 their current unbeaten run. They have also not lost in Madrid in 20 games dating back to 1987, reports AFP.
“It was not an easy game, it was not a game in which we have been especially fluid,” said Enrique.
“We took advantage of hard pressing to score the goal and then we had further opportunities to close down the game, but without luck.”
The Spaniards top their group, having kicked off with a creditable 1-1 away draw against Germany before a sparkling 4-0 victory over Ukraine, whom they now face on Tuesday.
In Kiev, Germany picked up a first win in their Nations League group with a workmanlike 2-1 away victory over the Ukrainians. Defender Matthias Ginter gave Germany a first-half lead, then Leon Goretzka capitalised on a horrible mistake by the Ukraine goalkeeper before Ruslan Malinovskyi converted a late penalty for the hosts.
Germany coach Joachim Loew said he was “satisfied” with the away win, but admitted “we should have been three or four goals ahead before they scored”. “In some phases we gave the ball away too easily.”
After drawing their opening Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland, then being held 3-3 by Turkey in a friendly on Wednesday, the win lifted Germany to second in the group behind Spain.