While Spain spent large passages of the game looking wholly comfortable on the ball, Northern Ireland certainly unsettled Luis de la Fuente’s side in the opening minutes.
Bradley won the free-kick that led to Ballard’s goal by harrying Robin le Normand and soon after the Real Sociedad defender was booked for halting a counter-attack following a foul on the same player.
Rodri was also caught in possession early on, leading to another chance for the visitors.
“We started the game brilliantly,” added Bradley. “We were on the front foot, we dispossessed them in their half a couple of times and the early goal obviously helped.”
Even after Spain seized control of the game with four goals in 23 first-half minutes, Standard Liege midfielder Isaac Price still had two real sights at Unai Simon’s goal but could convert neither.
“We probably could have scored three goals,” added Bradley.
“The way we play, we’re quite direct, we get the ball forward and try to create stuff once we’re up there.
“There were plenty of positives, but definitely some negatives that we need to learn from. It’s disappointing. I didn’t think we deserved to concede as many goals as we did.
“They’re a world-class team and they’re probably going over to try to win the Euros.”