Spain won 2-0 against Slovakia in Oviedo on Saturday evening, but the victory was slightly marred by the treatment of Gerard Piqué.

The Barcelona defender has been booed when appearing for his country since June. Real Madrid fans are among those booing him following disparaging remarks about Cristiano Ronaldo, while other fans are critical of his stance on Catalan independence.

The atmosphere didn’t impact the result as Spain were in complete control throughout, but Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla remains unimpressed by the fans.

“Piqué is huge for us,” Cazorla told reporters after the win. “Since Leon [in June], he’s found himself in a strange situation and none of us understand it.

“Hopefully [the boos] will end soon and he regains the full support of the crowd because he defends his country more than anyone else.”

Piqué has been a huge part of the success of the Spanish national team, but apparently the fans don’t care.

Meanwhile, Cazorla was playing in Oviedo for the first time for his country. The midfielder came through the academy at the club and said before the game he was thrilled to be returning to the place he calls home.

The Arsenal man came on in the 67th minute and helped his side see out the win against Slovakia, who had won all six of their previous qualifying games.

“We’re happy with the win and now we must prepare for the match against Macedonia,” he said. “We were very good from the outset. It was important to win and give a good account of ourselves.

“This is the path we must follow for matches like today. We all played well.”

That game against Macedonia will take place on Tuesday evening before Cazorla returns to London to prepare for Arsenal’s next game. Hopefully the midfielder features again to add to his 73 caps for his country and comes through the game unscathed.