Madrid, Oct 13 (IANS): Goalkeeper David de Gea was the hero as Spain capped their qualification for the 2016 European Championships with a 1-0 win away at Ukraine.

Although debutant Mario Gaspar scored the only goal of the game there is no doubt the goalkeeper was the hero on Monday night with a series of stunning saves to frustrate the Ukrainian attack, reports Xinhua.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque limited himself to saying De Gea had "played very well," but his teammates were more fulsome in their praise.

"We all know David, he is the future goalkeeper of the Spanish national team," commented Cesc Fabregas, while Tiago Alcantara, who returned to the Spain side was also impressed.

"To say he produced a sensational performance is leaving it short. He was sensational, we won because of him," said the midfielder.

Meanwhile the Spanish press also highlight De Gea's display with Diario AS asking "Should De Gea goalkeeper substitute to regular keeper Iker Casillas?".

Diario Marca headlined; "De Gea asks to get through," although the keeper himself was remaining calm after enduring a difficult end to the transfer season when his move to Spanish club Real Madrid from English side Manchester United fell through at the last minute, .

"I always try and do my best. It was a good performance as the main thing was to win. I try and compete at the maximum and I was lucky today," said de Gea after the match on Monday.

"I try and perform at my best and I want to make things difficult for the coach," he said, although he added that Casillas had "spent many years at the highest level and he tries to give me advice."