UEFA Nations League,
League A – 3

Nuevo Carlos Tartiere

Vassilis Fotias

Lamine 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 victory over Czechia in Oviedo.

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

Ladislav Krejci was then sent off late on for Czechia before Mikel Merino added a third with just a few minutes remaining to seal to tie for the hosts.

The result leaves Spain top of the group, having won all three of their opening games, while Czechia remain rooted to the bottom having lost each of their matches.

The world champions were ahead after just six minutes when Yamal struck a sublime effort into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.

It was something of a trademark goal from the superstar teenager, who has netted in each of Spain’s opening three UEFA Nations League matches.

The hosts doubled their advantage on the 35-minute mark, captain Rodri steering in a rebound to give De la Fuente’s men some breathing space.

Czechia responded strongly after the break and halved the deficit in the 69th minute when Slama ran untracked into the Spain box and latched onto a square ball from Adam Hlozek.

David Raya then escaped a huge error when he passed the ball straight to Ondrej Lingr, but the winger’s shot lacked the necessary power and the Arsenal goalkeeper was able to get back to catch the ball.

Spain were again let off the hook when Raya spilled a free-kick, allowing Ryan Naderi to poke home, but the referee blew for a foul and the goal was ruled out.

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

And proved decisive. Just four minutes later, Merino netted a third for Spain to put the game to bed. A flurry of bookings then followed, but the hosts saw out the game to continue their remarkable unbeaten run.

The UEFA Nations League Table

Upcoming fixtures for Spain and Czechia