World champions Spain extended their winning run to 10 matches with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Oviedo. The win maintains their perfect start to the Nations League campaign. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area. The Barcelona forward's goal set the tone for the match, with Spain dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities.
Rodri doubled Spain's advantage in the 35th minute, running at the away defence and firing the ball into the top corner from near the penalty spot. The goal was a result of a well-worked move involving Dani Olmo. The Czech Republic struggled to create scoring opportunities, but they managed to pull a goal back in the 69th minute through Jiri Slama. His low shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya gave the visitors hope.
However, the Czech Republic's hopes of securing a draw were dashed when Ladislav Krejci was sent off for two bookable offences. The Wolves defender's red card left his team with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Spain sealed the victory in the 89th minute through Mikel Merino, who converted a loose ball. The goal capped a dominant performance from Spain, who created several scoring opportunities throughout the match.
The win takes Spain to nine points from their three Nations League matches, maintaining their position at the top of Group A3. They are three points ahead of England, who thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the other match in the section earlier on Saturday. Spain's next match is against Croatia on Tuesday, and a victory would take them into the quarter-finals with two group games to spare.
Spain's winning run dates back to a shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the group phase of the World Cup. Luis de la Fuente's side have been in impressive form since then, winning the 2026 World Cup and the 2023 Nations League. They also reached the final of the Nations League in 2021 and 2025, but lost on both occasions.
The Czech Republic will host Spain in Prague on 12 November, before Spain end the group phase against England on 15 November at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium. The Nations League quarter-finals take place in March, with the semi-finals and final in June. Spain will be looking to make it to the semi-finals and potentially win the tournament for the second time.
The match was a significant test for Spain ahead of their upcoming fixtures, and they passed with flying colors. Their performance was a testament to their strength and depth, with several players making significant contributions to the win. With their winning run continuing, Spain will be confident of making it to the quarter-finals and potentially winning the tournament.
Key points
- Spain extended their winning run to 10 matches with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
- The win takes Spain to nine points from their three Nations League matches, maintaining their position at the top of Group A3.
- Spain's next match is against Croatia on Tuesday, and a victory would take them into the quarter-finals with two group games to spare.
