The City midfielder was dismissed for a professional foul as he attempted to stop Lamine Yamal pulling a goal back for La Roja with the score 3-0 in England’s favour.
It was a pity for Anderson with our No.5 enjoying an outstanding first 45, and it was his precise pass to Harry Kane that allowed the skipper to take the ball into the box and win a penalty right on half-time.
The Ballon d’Or winner made no mistake to give Thomas Tuchel’s men a thoroughly deserved lead at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
England doubled their lead on 53 minutes when Ezri Konsa headed home Declan Rice’s corner to silence the Madrid crowd.
And five minutes later Ben White made it 3-0 with a fine angled finish after being put through by Jude Bellingham.
Anderson’s dismissal came on 63 minutes when he attempted to stop Lamine Yamal who looked set to reduce the arrears as he raced clear in the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting spot-kick to set up a thrilling last half-hour.
Nico Williams pulled another goal back on 75 minutes as he turned in Yamal’s cross with the Three Lions rocking.
Only a stunning double save from former City keeper James Trafford in added time prevented the hosts claiming a memorable draw as England ended Spain’s 43-game unbeaten run stretching back two-and-a-half years – and win the group.
As England were topping Group 3, Croatia secured third spot with a 2-1 victory over Czech Republic.
Ivan Perišić gave the hosts the perfect start with a goal after two minutes.
Adam Hložek briefly levelled for the Czechs on 84 before Lovro Majer restored Croatia’s lead three minutes later to seal victory.
Joško Gvardiol played the full 90 minutes, while Mateo Kovačić played 68 minutes before being substituted.
In Group 1, Jérémy Doku faced up to City team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma in a crucial game at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels between Belgium and Italy.
Roberto Mancini has revived Italy’s fortunes of late, and it was the Azzurri who drew first blood when Pio Esposito opened the scoring on 11 minutes.
But the Belgians – containing former City legend Kevin De Bruyne – stormed back into the game with three goals before half-time.
Maxim De Cuyper levelled on 15 minutes before Nathan Ngoy made it 2-1 seven minutes later.
Doku, bright and inventive on the left, then made it 3-1 on 26 minutes, with a smart left-foot shot giving Donnarumma no chance.
The City keeper continued to be busy as the Belgians pepper the Italians’ goal, with the Red Devils scoring a fourth through Diego Moreira – courtesy of a De Bruyne assist – on 80 with Donnarumma’s miserable evening completed with a yellow card shortly after.
Doku’s evening ended on 90 minutes when he was replaced by Mika Godts – and there was still time for Italy to miss a penalty in added time.
France won the group with a 2-1 win over Turkey in Bordeaux.
A Topçu own goal on 49 and a second from Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi on 80 sealed victory for Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Rayan Cherki played 82 minutes for Le Bleus who conceded a late goal through Bardakcı, but progress from the group along with Belgium.
City v Bradford: Tickets available from £20 for adults and £5 for U18s
Tickets for our Carabao Cup tie with Bradford City are now on general sale.
They’re available from £20 for adults and £5 for U18s as we face the League One Bantams in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The game takes place on Tuesday 15 December with a 20:00 (UK) kick-off at the Etihad.
It’s also worth noting that this match will be Christmas-themed, meaning there’ll be plenty of festive cheer and festive events taking place around the stadium on the day.
Hospitality is also on sale for the game and is available from £90 in The Ardwick.
Our new Pep Guardiola suites are available - with Crossbar at £110 and Zadie’s at £200.
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.
