Villa scores in return as Spain routs Saudis 5-0

Villa scores in return as Spain routs Saudis 5-0

Published Sep. 7, 2012 7:25 p.m. ET

David Villa scored in his return to Spain's national team as the defending champions prepared for World Cup qualifying with a 5-0 exhibition rout of Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

Making his first appearance for Spain since November after recovering from a broken leg, Villa converted a 64th-minute penalty kick for his 52nd international goal.

Pedro Rodriguez scored in the 27th and 73rd minutes, while Santi Cazorla got a goal in the 23rd and Xavi Hernandez in the 47th, just after replacing Cesc Fabregas at the start of the second half.

Fernando Torres made his 100th appearance for Spain before Villa replaced him in the 53rd.

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Spain opens qualifying Tuesday at Georgia in Group I.

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