Spain 3-1 Czechia: World champions edge past 10 man Czechia to extend remarkable run

UEFA Nations League,
League A – 3

New Carlos Tartiere

Vassilis Photias

Laminate Yamal 6′
Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante 35′
Mikel Merino 89′

Jiri Slama 69′

Spain extended their impressive unbeaten run to 41 games with a 3-1 UEFA Nations League win over Czech Republic in Oviedo.

Lamine Yamal and Rodri found the back of the net for Luis de la Fuente’s men in the first half before the visitors hit back after the break, reducing the lead courtesy of Jiri Slama.

Ladislav Krejci was then sent off late on for the Czech before Mikel Merino added a third with just a few minutes left to level for the hosts.

The result leaves Spain top of the group, having won their opening three matches, while the Czech Republic remain rooted to the bottom after losing each of their matches.

The world champions took the lead after just six minutes when Yamal curled a sublime effort into the top left corner from the edge of the box.

It was a signature goal for the teenage superstar, who has scored in each of Spain’s first three UEFA Nations League games.

The home side doubled their lead in the 35th minute, captain Rodri headed home a rebound to give De la Fuente’s team some breathing room.

The Czech Republic responded strongly after the break and halved the deficit in the 69th minute when Slama raced unmarked in the Spain box and latched on to Adam Hlozek’s square ball.

David Raya then escaped a huge mistake when he played the ball straight to Ondrej Lingr, but the winger’s shot lacked the necessary power and the Arsenal keeper was able to get back to collect the ball.

Spain were let offside again when Raya delivered a free-kick which allowed Ryan Naderi to tap in, but the referee blew a foul and the goal was ruled out.

But with the visitors pressing for an equaliser, Krejci was shown a second yellow card and given his marching orders.

And it was decisive. Just four minutes later, Merino scored a third for Spain to put the game to bed. A flurry of bookings followed, but the home side saw the game out to continue their remarkable unbeaten run.

UEFA Nations League table

Upcoming matches between Spain and the Czech Republic