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The Kookaburras have gone down 3-2 to Spain in a men's hockey Pro League clash in Madrid.

Australia have squandered the opportunity to secure top-four qualification in the men's hockey Pro League after a 3-2 defeat to Spain in Madrid.

Victory would have seen Australia confirmed as top-four finishers and qualification secured for the Pro League finals in Amsterdam.

The Kookaburras got off to the perfect start when Tim Brand opened the scoring in the third minute with a diving goal past Spanish keeper Garin.

The first quarter saw all of the attacking play go Australia's way, with the home team unable to create any genuine scoring chances.

Spain won the match's first penalty corner in the 28th minute and took full advantage with Josep Romeu firing a rocket into the roof past the outstretched glove of Andrew Charter.

With the hosts starting to build in confidence as the clock ticked on, a poor clearance in defence was pounced on by Xavi Lleonart who made it 2-1 for Spain.

Blake Govers got the visitors back into the contest with a 58th-minute equaliser from a penalty stroke.

But two minutes later Spain got the winner from Romeu via a penalty corner.

It was sent upstairs for referral before being upheld by the third umpire.

The Kookaburras' next match is on Sunday against Germany in Krefeld, the second half of a double-header with the Hockeyroos.