For the third year in a row, Spain have failed to qualify for the European Under-19 Championship, following Tuesday's 4-2 defeat to France.

A draw to Bulgaria last week meant that the clash with Les Bleus in Benidorm was a must-win fixture for Spain, and they did take the lead thanks to an Abel Ruiz penalty after 52 minutes.

However the visitors launched themselves back into the match with an own goal followed up quickly by Myziane Maolida's strike.

Impressive for France were Mickael Cuisance, Lenny Pintor and Moussa Diaby, the latter added the fourth in stoppage time after Lyon first-teamer Amine Gouiri had sealed the points.

Spain snatched a consolation through Jordi Mboula but are now left to dwell on a third consecutive failure in qualifying for a tournament that they have won ten times, a tally only defending champions England can match.