Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said the 1-0 win over France in the crucial 2014 World Cup Qualifier proved the world champions are still very much a force.
Doubts were cast on the Spain's capabilities to qualify for Brazil directly, after their 1-1 draw over Finland on Friday saw them drop to second place in Group I, behind France.
However, in Paris, Spain did what they do best - which is pick up the necessary result -- as Pedro scored the only goal of the game just before the hour mark. France's night went from bad to worse when Paul Pogba was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minute.
"We have gained three very important points which mathematically mean we can now avoid the playoffs," Del Bosque told AS. "You always have your doubts. I am someone who does have doubts now and again and I think it would be foolish not to.
"So this result is extremely important for us. We affirmed our ideas and showed conviction out on the pitch here in Paris.
"I thought we played well. We did look a little disordered when France went down to 10 men and it was a real struggle for us to even get a draw from this match. All of my players did well - (Alvaro) Arbeloa was fantastic in keeping (Franck) Ribery at bay -- every player had a great game.
"Even those on the subs' bench played their part and transmitted their spirit to those out on the field -- and we need to maintain that positivity.
"The next step for us is the Confederations Cup and after that, we will prepare for the next set of qualifiers which we also need to win.
"We have three games left to play and we have to finish the job with the same spirit we showed tonight."
France, who looked threatening going forward, will feel a little deflated by the result and striker Karim Benzema, who plays in Spain for Real Madrid, felt his side did not deserve to lose.
"We are all very disappointed," Benzema told TF1. "If you look at the whole game, we did not deserve to lose. We made a mistake (for the goal) and we paid (for it)."
