Photo: Collected
Spain produced one surprise after another on home soil. First the magic of the young star, then a goal from captain Rodri. The world champions have picked up their third straight win in the UEFA Nations League by beating the Czech Republic 3-1. At the same time, Luis de la Fuente’s side have also set the feat of going 41 matches unbeaten in a row across all competitions.
Spain played attacking football from the start of the match in Oviedo. Lamine Yamal made the difference as early as the sixth minute. Cutting in quickly from the right flank, the young forward created space with a one-two with Dani Olmo and sent the ball into the net with a superb curling shot from outside the box. Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky dived but could not reach the ball.
Spain’s attacking edge did not lessen even after the goal. Kinsky was tested time and again by the attacks of Pedri, Aymeric Laporte and Olmo. Although he kept his side in the game until the 35th minute, the Czech goalkeeper could not save them after that.
Czech defenders blocked a shot taken by Roberto Fernandez from Pedri’s pass. But the rebound fell to Rodri. Not letting the chance slip, the Spain captain found the target with a quick shot. It is Rodri’s first goal in the national team shirt since Euro 2024.
The Spain coach took Yamal off at the start of the second half. Victor Munoz and Yeremy Pino came on. The Czech Republic then tried to get back into the match and that effort bore fruit too. Slama reduced the deficit by scoring from Adam Hlozek’s pass.
The visitors had also created a chance to equalise. In the 79th minute, Rangers forward Ryan Naderi beat Spain goalkeeper David Raya, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.
Spain took control of the match again towards the end. In the 85th minute, Krejci left the field after seeing a second yellow card for fouling Fernandez. Making use of this opportunity, the hosts got their third goal within a few minutes. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored it.
In the end, Spain left the field with a 3-1 win. With this victory, the world champions have further strengthened their position at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A3 with a full 9 points from three matches.
