Pedro scored the all-important winner as Spain got the better of France in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, while an abject second half performance from England consigned them to a share of the spoils against Montenegro.
The other big guns Netherlands, Germany and Italy eased past their respective opponents, while Belgium continued their impressive campaign with a 1-0 victory over Macedonia, thanks to a strike from Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard.
In Paris, it was all about the possible downfall of the World and European champions, with Spain needing a win to go back to the top of Group I, or face the possibility of making it to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil via the playoffs.
France were leading by two points going into the game, following their win against Georgia Friday, while Spain threw away their advantage at the top after being held by Finland in a surprise 1-1 draw.
The onus was completely on Vicente Del Bosque's side to take three points and expectedly they dominated possession and the pace of the play.
France, though, always looked dangerous going forward, with Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery going close in the first half.
Spain really should have taken an early lead, but the returning Xavi Hernandez blazed over from close range after being brilliantly set up by Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal.
Pedro then went down inside the box under the challenge of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with the referee correctly waving play on - replays showed the Barcelona forward was already on his way down before any sort of contact from Lloris.
Spain had over 75 percent of possession in the first half, and 13 minutes into the second they broke the deadlock.
The excellent Monreal drove the ball across goal from the left flank, with Pedro bundling it towards goal, as Lloris, despite getting a hand to it, failed to prevent it going past the goalline.
France went in search of the equalizer, with Blaise Matuidi going close, but any chances of a comeback were foiled when Paul Pogba, only making his second appearance for France, was sent off after picking up two quick yellow cards in the 78th minute.
Spain now lead the group by one point from France, with three games remaining.
At Podgorica, all eyes were on Roy Hodgson and England to see whether they could turn over Montenegro and take back control of Group H.
Their first half showing suggested that three points were on the way, with Wayne Rooney striking as early as the sixth minute, heading home a corner from Steven Gerrard.
However, in the second half, England completely lost the plot as Montenegro stepped up their own game, with Dejan Damjanovic deservedly making it 1-1 in the 77th minute.
Germany, Italy and Netherlands remained unbeaten - with the latter perfect - and are in complete control of their respective groups, following comfortable wins over Kazakhstan and Romania respectively.
Results: Group A: Serbia 2-0 Scotland; Wales 1-2 Croatia; Belgium 1-0 Macedonia. Group B: Armenia 0-3 Czech Republic; Malta 0-2 Italy; Denmark 1-1 Bulgaria. Group C: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Austria; Germany 4-1 Kazakhstan. Group D: Estonia 2-0 Andorra; Turkey 1-1 Hungary; Netherlands 4-0 Romania. Group F: Northern Ireland 0-2 Israel; Azerbaijan 0-2 Portugal. Group H: Ukraine 2-1 Moldova; Poland 5-0 San Marino; Montenegro 1-1 England. Group I: France 0-1 Spain.
