Oviedo watched Spain take another step into record territory on Saturday night, with a 3-1 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic extending La Roja’s unbeaten run to 41 matches.
Yamal strikes early again
Lamine Yamal set the rhythm almost immediately. The Barcelona winger had required only two minutes to score in the 3-2 win in England the previous Saturday and did the same against Croatia in a 4-1 victory on Tuesday. Against the Czechs, he was even quicker.
- Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing a dazzling individual move with a shot into the top-right corner.
- Rodri doubled Spain’s advantage in the 35th minute after beginning the attacking sequence himself.
- Spain made nine alterations from the side used against Croatia.
- Ivan Fresneda of Sporting Portugal and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez made their debuts.
Even with a heavily changed line-up, Spain controlled the contest for long periods and looked comfortable on home soil in northern Spain.
Czech comeback hope fades late
The Czech Republic found a route back into the game through left-back Jiri Slama, who finished a counter-attack in the 69th minute to make it 2-1.
They thought they had levelled the score ten minutes later, but the referee ruled out the move for a foul committed earlier in the attack. The decision proved a major blow to the visitors just as they appeared capable of putting Spain under genuine pressure.
- Slama’s goal came in the 69th minute.
- A potential Czech equaliser in the 79th minute was disallowed following a foul at the start of the move.
- Captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 85th minute.
- Mikel Merino added Spain’s third goal in the 89th minute, after the Czechs had been reduced to 10 men.
A record run continues
Merino’s late finish sealed the 3-1 result and ensured Spain’s unbeaten sequence reached 41 matches, a national record.
The Nations League campaign now takes Spain to Croatia on Tuesday, with their latest win underlining the depth available despite the extensive rotation in Oviedo.
