Spain Stay Perfect With 3-1 Nations League Win Over Czechia as Yamal Scores Again
World champions extend winning run to 10 as Merino seals victory after Krejčí red card in Oviedo
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File photo: Spain winger Lamine Yamal. Photo: Biso, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
World champions keep perfect Group A3 start
Spain maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League with a 3-1 win over Czechia at Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo on Saturday, extending a winning run to 10 matches since a World Cup group-stage draw with Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute, curling a strike from the edge of the area past Antonín Kinský after combining with Dani Olmo. Rodri doubled the lead in the 35th minute, running onto a deflection after linking with Olmo and finishing into the top corner.
Sláma reply, then Krejčí dismissal
Jiří Sláma pulled a goal back in the 69th minute with a low finish across Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, assisted by Adam Hložek. Czechia thought they had equalised around the 80th minute when Ryan Naderi forced the ball over the line, but the goal was disallowed after a foul was given against Robin Le Normand.
Captain Ladislav Krejčí was sent off in the 85th minute for a second yellow card. Substitute Mikel Merino sealed the result in the 89th minute, converting after Kinský parried a shot from Víctor Muñoz following a fast break.
Standings and what comes next
Luis de la Fuente’s side have nine points from three Group A3 matches and sit top, three points clear of England, who beat Croatia 7-0 earlier on Saturday. Czechia remain bottom on zero points.
Spain host Croatia next before facing Czechia again in Prague on 12 November and England at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano on 15 November. Attendance was reported at 28,515. Spain’s unbeaten run was widely reported as stretching to 41 matches.
Debutant Iván Fresneda and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández both featured for Spain. Czechia were managed by Spaniard Santi Denia.
