The 29-year-old scored his 45th and 46th international goals last night to help Spain come from behind to win 2-1 in their Euro 2012 Group I qualifier, surpassing Raul's mark of 44 in the process.

The result in Grenada maintained the hosts' 100% record in qualifying, moving them six points clear of their opponents, and it was that on which Villa chose to focus.

"I am happy because the goals helped the team get the win," he said in AS. "The important thing is that we are close to qualifying for the tournament.

"I really wanted it, mostly because it was a very difficult game, which we did not start as we expected. We had chances, but luck and their keeper were against us."

Villa scored in the 69th minute and then again from the spot four minutes later, cancelling out Jaroslav Plasil's 29th-minute wonder strike.

After notching the record-breaking strike, the Barcelona striker ran to the Spain bench to celebrate with reserve goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

He explained: "The goals are dedicated to all the team-mates, all the coaches, all partners and friends I had during my career.

"But long ago I promised Jose, who is a friend of mine, that the goal which overtook Raul would be for him."

It was also a big day for Xavi, Villa's Barcelona team-mate, who won his 100th cap in the win.

"Congratulations on the 100 games he has played," said Villa. "It's good to be able to share the day with him. He is a great footballer, but also a great team-mate and it's a pleasure to be in the squad with him."

Spain boss Vincente Del Bosque sees the landmarks as symptomatic of a team in their prime.

"It is good for Villa," he told Marca. "Passing Raul is not easy.

"This is a generation of players that is breaking records, which is great."

He also joined the list of those leaping to the defence of Fernando Torres, who has struggled for form since before last summer's World Cup and is finding life difficult at Chelsea since signing in January.

"We're excited to see how he evolves with Chelsea," he said.

"We're there to work to help him."

Torres played 45 minutes last night, replacing Xabi Alonso at half-time.