World champions Spain maintained their flawless beginning to the Nations League by defeating the Czech Republic in Oviedo.
This outcome stretched Spain’s winning streak to 10 games and kept Luis de la Fuente’s squad at the summit of Group A3 with nine points from three matches. England trail by three points following their 7-0 win over Croatia earlier on Saturday.
Spain asserted dominance with goals from Lamine Yamal and Rodri before Jiri Slama scored one for the away side. The Czech Republic had a player sent off in the closing stages, and Mikel Merino secured the win in the 89th minute.
Spain keeps their winning streak going in the Nations League
Yamal broke the deadlock in the sixth minute after discovering room despite being encircled by three defenders. The Barcelona attacker then delivered a superb finish from the edge of the box, bending the ball inside the far post.
Spain increased their advantage in the 35th minute via Rodri. The former Manchester City midfielder advanced with the ball toward the Czech defence, linked up with Dani Olmo, and then struck into the top corner from near the penalty spot.
The away team cut the gap in the 69th minute when Jiri Slama directed a low shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Nevertheless, their aspirations of a comeback were harmed when Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci was shown a second yellow card for two cautionable offences.
Spain capitalised late in the match as Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino converted a loose ball in the 89th minute to wrap up the win.
The Czech Republic will meet Spain again in the Nations League
Spain’s most recent triumph means they have now won 10 straight matches, with their last game without a win being a 0-0 stalemate against Cape Verde during the World Cup group stage.
The result leaves Spain three points ahead of England at the top of Group A3. Their next test arrives on Tuesday, when they travel to play Croatia, aware that another win would clinch a quarter-final spot with two group fixtures still remaining.
The Czech Republic will get another chance to play Spain on 12 November, when the sides meet in Prague. Spain will then conclude their group campaign against England on 15 November at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
Spain claimed the 2026 World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 and also won the Nations League in 2023. They were runners-up in the Nations League final in both 2021 and 2025, while the quarter-finals of the current edition are set for March, followed by the semi-finals and final in June.