Spain’s control was tested by a Czech Republic side that found one sharp route back into the contest, even as the evening ended with three goals conceded and a red card at a pivotal moment. For the visitors, the scoreline did not tell the whole story: goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky prevented a wider margin, while defender Jan Slama turned a difficult defensive assignment into a goal.
Quick facts
- Antonin Kinsky conceded three times but made several important saves.
- Jan Slama scored after being sent forward from the left side.
- Adam Hlozek supplied Slama with the pass for the Czech goal.
- Ladislav Krejci was dismissed for a second booking after pulling back Roberto.
- Debutant Naderi had a potential 2-2 goal ruled out after gaining Czech nationality.
Kinsky remained composed with the ball at his feet despite the memory of a difficult previous Champions League trip to Spain with Tottenham against Atletico Madrid. His interventions kept the Czech Republic alive as Spain pressed their territorial advantage.
Veteran wing-back Michal Sacek struggled at times with Spain’s attacks down his flank, but used his experience to limit the damage. Matej Chaloupek also faced sustained pressure, improving as the match went on and helping prevent Roberto from enjoying an especially decisive night.
Krejci’s departure came at a damaging point. With the Czech side still capable of drawing level, his clear hold on Roberto brought a second yellow card and removed a key defender from the contest.
Slama had first been occupied by the task of containing Lamine Yamal, an assignment that brought plenty of uncomfortable moments. Yet one of his forward bursts changed the picture, as he met Hlozek’s well-timed ball into space with a precise low finish across goal.
Alex Kral brought familiar industry without possession, disrupting Spain’s circulation through his persistence. Michal Macek, however, found it difficult to establish himself amid Spain’s dominance, while Tomas Radosta was kept away from the attacking areas where he might have made an impact.
Daniel Ambros worked to provide an outlet under Spanish pressure but could not sustain his involvement. Ondrej Lingr came closest to adding further danger, sending a shot narrowly over David Raya’s crossbar.
The substitutes offered differing levels of influence. Naderi, making his debut after completing his naturalisation, thought he had scored the equaliser only for his effort to be disallowed. Lukas Cerv added energy in midfield and Michal Sadilek delivered work rate and aggression, while Pavel Bucha and Martin Vitik had little time or opportunity to alter the flow.
