Isco scored twice as a scintillating Spain beat Italy at the Bernabeu to take a huge step towards qualifying for the World Cup from Group G.
The Real Madrid playmaker curled home a free-kick and then smashed in a second as Spain named no recognised striker.
Chelsea's Alvaro Morata came on to add a third from Sergio Ramos' cross.
Italy, who had not lost any qualifier since 2006, trail Spain by three points with a much worse goal difference and are likely to be in the play-offs.
Only the winners of each group qualify directly for Russia, with the eight best ranked second-placed teams playing off.
Spain - who looked back to their best - brought on record goalscorer David Villa for Isco late on, his first cap since retiring from international football and moving to MLS in 2014.
The Azzurri are still four points above third-placed Albania, who beat Liechtenstein 2-0.
Macedonia beat Israel 1-0 in the group's other match.
Ukraine are top of Group I following a 2-0 win over Turkey, new Borussia Dortmund striker Andriy Yarmolenko scoring both goals.
Croatia, who are one point behind them, have a game in hand - after their match with Kosovo was abandoned at 0-0 in the first half because of a waterlogged pitch. It will be replayed on Sunday.
Iceland, behind Croatia on goal difference, lost 1-0 to Finland.
Latest Stories
-
T-bills: Interest rates increased for first time since January 1; government fails to meet target
34 mins -
Ghana retains 10th position with lowest fuel price in Africa
41 mins -
Will Ghana’s democracy stand the test of time in the 2024 elections?
4 hours -
Hindsight: Dreams fairytale run proved one thing; it is possible
5 hours -
God makes rulers, not you; you can’t choose your successor – Mahama to Akufo-Addo
6 hours -
Contributors own SSNIT, they must decide who becomes its Director-General – Austin Gamey
7 hours -
Move away from theory-based learning towards practical learning approaches – AUCC President to students
7 hours -
Haaland scores as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
8 hours -
Villas-Boas elected Porto president
8 hours -
Situation on frontline has worsened, Ukraine army chief says
8 hours -
US doctor describes witnessing starvation in northern Gaza
8 hours -
CAFCC: RS Berkane make final after USM Alger refused to play 2nd leg over Moroccans’ jersey
8 hours -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving
9 hours -
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
11 hours -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
11 hours