Two first-half goals and a last-minute own goal saw Spain secure any easy three points, meaning Ireland have lost both home games in this qualifying campaign.

Ireland keeper and captain Emma Byrne was called into action with just three minutes on the clock, pushing away Alexia Putellas' 30 yard shot.

Spain showed good passing discipline lead to a Vicky Losada long-range effort, but Byrne was equal on this occasion.

The Spanish were very nearly in front on 21 minutes after a near calamity in the Irish defence, after Byrne scrambled away Hermoso’s corner.

Karen Duggan's attempted clearance ricocheted off an Irish jersey before rattling the post - Aine O’Gorman, who was restored to full back, clearing the danger.

The Spanish took the lead on the half hour after a spell of pressure on the Irish goal.

Losada punished the hosts by placing her left side foot finish into the corner of Byrne’s net, outside the reach of the Arsenal keeper.

Byrne saved Ireland again four minutes from the break after Hermoso unlocked the Irish defence for Sampedro, but Byrne was out quick to block with her legs.

Karen Duggan and Sophie Perry both blocked Hermoso and Losada’s follow-up shots.

Hermoso doubled the Spanish lead from the penalty spot one minute before half time after Sophie Perry had bundled the tricky Losada over.

Ireland started the second half with fresh impetus, Rusheda Littlejohn unable to connect with Denise O’Sullivan’s chip through, the closest Ireland had come.

However, Ireland continued to make silly mistakes which allowed the Spanish to control the game keeping the hosts at arm’s length.

Denise O’Sullivan’s deflected 63rd minute shot played Sophie Perry in on goal, but Perry’s shot couldn’t make it past Gallardo who had narrowed the angle.

Spain opened Ireland up again with 10 minutes remaining, Serrando flashed a left wing cross that was just missed by Sampedro at the far post.

Olga Garcia called Emma Byrne into action with five minutes remaining, Byrne expertly clawing away Garcia’s edge of the box shot.

Byrne pushed away another swerving Garcia shot in the third minute of stoppage time only to see the ball ricochet in off Sophie Perry.

Ireland lie in third place in Group two with three points from their opening three games, three points behind second placed Finland.

Republic of Ireland: Byrne, O’Gorman, Fahey, Quinn, Perry, Killeen (DeBurca HT), Caldwell, Duggan (Roche 80), Russell, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn (Shine 66)

Subs not used: Reid-Burke, Murray, Rossiter, McCarthy

Spain: Gallardo, Serrano, Torrejon, Paredes, Serrano, Garcia, Corredera(Garcia 58), Losada (Alexandra 87), Putellas. Sampedro (Jimenez 81), Hermoso

Subs not Used: Panos, Landa, Bermudez, Paz,

Referee: Stephanie Frappart (France)