Loic Remy Upstages Chelsea Teammate Diego Costa as France Beat Spain

Loic Remy provided Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho with an example of his match-winning capacity with the only goal as Spain's new era began with defeat to France in Paris.

Remy joined the Blues in the final days of the summer transfer window and will provide competition for Diego Costa for a starting place as the leading member of the club's attack.

And the former Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United forward began his attempts to leapfrog Costa – who has netted four goals in his first three Chelsea games – with the only goal at the Stade de France.

The 27 year old slammed home his seventh international goal with 18 minutes remaining following Mathieu Valbuena's lay-off to seal victory against the European Champions, who started just three of the players who featured in the World Cup group win over Australia three months ago.

Amid an uncertain Spanish display, the greatest concern surrounds the form of Costa who is yet to net in any of his first five internationals despite enjoying an impressive start to life at Chelsea.

"I believe that with work the results will come and that's what I am focusing on," said Costa. "Things are going very well for me at Chelsea and that encourages me.

"He has shown what he is capable of, now we have to connect with him, understand him."

While France are already assured of a place at Euro 2016 as hosts, Spain begin their qualifying campaign against Macedonia on Monday and despite the calibre of opposition in their group know they must stage a significant improvement.

"It's true we didn't create a clear chance, but we got ourselves into some dangerous positions," manager Vicente del Bosque said.

"It's a regeneration process, and that is what we're aspiring to. You can't always look back in football, and I was pleased with the attitude of the players."