Nations League: Spain extend winning run with win over Czech Republic
Spain maintained their perfect start to the Nations League with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic in Oviedo, extending their winning run to 10 matches.
Lamine Yamal set the world champions on their way early before Rodri added a second in the first half.
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The Czech Republic pulled one back after the break, but Ladislav Krejci’s dismissal and a late goal from Mikel Merino secured another victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Yamal and Rodri put Spain in control
Yamal opened the scoring after just six minutes with a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Despite being surrounded by three defenders, the Barcelona forward created enough space to curl the ball beyond the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through Rodri, who combined with Dani Olmo before driving into the Czech defence and firing into the top corner from close range.
The visitors reduced the deficit in the 69th minute when Jiri Slama sent a low effort past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Their hopes of completing a comeback were damaged when Wolves defender Krejci was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Spain close in on quarter-final place
Merino put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball to score Spain’s third.
The victory leaves Spain top of Nations League Group A3 with nine points from three matches, three points clear of England, who defeated Croatia 7-0 in the other game.
Spain can secure a place in the quarter-finals with victory away to Croatia on Tuesday, with two group matches still remaining afterwards.
De la Fuente’s side will then travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic on 12 November before hosting England at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on 15 November.
Spain have now won 10 consecutive matches since a surprise 0-0 draw with Cape Verde during the 2026 World Cup group stage.
The reigning world champions also won the Nations League in 2023 and reached the final in 2021 and 2025.