Malta might have kept a respectable scoreline during the Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday, but the Spanish national team set a number of records during the match, including the highest ball possession for the national team. 

In case you were wondering why the men in white appeared more prevalent during the match you weren't mistaken - they held the ball for a whopping 83.5 per cent of the match time. The Maltese passed the ball for 197 times. 

Spain won 2-0 during the match watch by a packed crowd at the Ta' Qali National Stadium with Alvaro Morata scoring both goals to ensure Spain picked up their second successive win and go top of Group F.

According to reputable Spanish newspaper Marca, ever since data began being recorded, no team has ever held 83.5 per cent possession in a competitive match.

The visitors completed 874 passes of a total 949 attempted. Their previous record was set during the Julen Lopetegui era when the team held 80 per cent possession in an 8-0 win over Liechtenstein.

Sergio Ramos made the most passes with 133 while the next highest was Rodri in midfield, who did not even enjoy one of his better performances.

Sergi Roberto made 114 passes while Sergio Canales completed 102, much to the enjoyment of the travelling supporters.

Spanish captain Ramos has also equalled the number of wins with La Roja held by legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas, which stood at 121. 

Ramos made his debut for Spain in 2005 against San Marino in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification and since then has been present in all tournaments for Spain up to date.

Malta lost after winning the opening match against the Faroe Islands 2-1 last Saturday. Tuesday's match was played under the shadow of the infamous 1983 match, when Spain beat Malta 12-1 in one of the most controversial drubbings in football. 

Read: Malta coach rubbishes talk of 12-1 vendetta