This triumph has all but confirmed Spain's presence at Russia 2018 as La Roja move three points clear of Italy ahead of their remaining Group G games against Lichtenstein, Albania and Israel.
Lopetegui's side should win all of those and under the Basque boss, the Spain side seem to be taking shape again after the quarter-final exit to Italy at Euro 2016 last summer - the final fixture in Del Bosque's eight-year reign as coach.
Many Spain supporters believed that signalled the end for their team in the elite, but it doesn't have to be. With Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Busquets, Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal all still there, the basis for success remains.
Many Spain supporters believed that signalled the end for their team in the elite, but it doesn't have to be. With Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Busquets, Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal all still there, the basis for success remains.
Following Del Bosque's departure, the new generation have had a chance as well. Isco is in the finest form of his career, while Asensio, at 21, is Spain's new sensastion. Together, the two can lead another golden generation together along with their more experienced team-mates - just as they showed on Saturday.
And on this evidence, another World Cup win is well within their grasp.
Kylian Mbappe's decision to snub Real Madrid in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain scuppered Manchester United's hopes of signing Cristiano Ronaldo, The Sunday Times reports.
The Blancos were willing to let an unhappy Ronaldo return to Old Trafford if they secured highly-prized Monaco striker Mbappe as a replacement.
However, the French teenager and his father reportedly didn't want him to be burdened with the responsibility of being Ronaldo's direct successor at Real so early in his career.
Lionel Messi will not renew his Barcelona contract and will become a free agent next summer, according to Onda Cero .
The 30-year-old has agreed terms of a new deal but has yet to put pen to paper, concerning fans of the club who just witnessed Neymar depart for PSG.
Antoine Griezmann's release clause will have halved by the next transfer window from €200 million to €100m, according to AS .
The Frenchman signed a new deal with Atletico Madrid and vowed to stay beyond the summer transfer window despite interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Atletico's transfer ban ends in January, though, and interest in Griezmann is likely to resurface. However, the club have set a high price for him again.
Juventus are readying an approach for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can in the January transfer window, reports Corriere dello Sport .
The Germany international is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and could be available for as little as £9 million.