Spain began their Euro 2008 campaign in emphatic fashion by thumping Russia 4-1 early on Tuesday evening.

A stunning hat-trick from David Villa outlined Spain’s intentions in this tournament as they completely overwhelmed Russia. Roman Pavlyuchenko pulled one back for Russia to make it 3-1 but Cesc Fabregas bundled in a late fourth to complete the rout.

1 - 0 David Villa (20 minutes)

Fernando Torres outmuscled defender Denis Kolodin and squared the ball for Villa to roll his first goal into an empty net.

2 - 0 David Villa (45 minutes)

Andres Iniesta was the provider for Villa’s second when he played a sublime through ball for the Valencia striker to slip through goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev’s legs.

3 - 0 David Villa (75 minutes)

Chelsea target Villa completed his hat-trick when he latched onto a Fabregas pass, turned Roman Shirkov and slotted in from inside the area.

3 - 1 Roman Pavlyuchenko (86 minutes)

The Spartak Moscow forward scored from a corner with four minutes left to restore some pride for a well-beaten Russian team.

4 - 1 Cesc Fabregas (90 minutes)

However, it was Fabregas who had the last word when he headed home his first international goal after Xavi Hernandez saw a shot parried by Akinfeev.

Dmitri Sychev hits the post for Russia shortly after Villa broke the deadlock.