Spain and Iran were locked goalless at half-time in their FIFA World Cup Group B clash in Kazan on Wednesday.
The Spanish laid siege to Iran's goal for much of the first 45 minutes but resolute defending meant the match was deadlocked 0-0 at the break.
Spain's David Silva hooked the ball over the bar after half an hour with the best of the very few chances, while Iran failed to find the target on any of their infrequent forays across the halfway line.
Spain defender Dani Carvajal was included in the side, in place of Nacho from the starting side that drew with Portugal, after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Fernando Hierro also included forward Lucas Vazquez, with Koke making way as Spain’s new coach sought more dynamism to unlock a cagey Iran defence at Kazan Arena.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz dropped captain Masoud Shojaei to the substitutes in a mild surprise, with the suspended Saeid Ezatolahi recalled and Ehsan Hajsafi to wear the captain’s arm-band.
Defender Majid Hosseini replaces the injured centre back Rouzbeh Cheshmi as Iran seek a second successive win after their 1-0 victory over Morocco.