Spain return to the Carlos Tartiere on Saturday knowing that victory over the Czech Republic would keep their Nations League quarter-final route firmly in their own hands. The world champions have made a winning start to the group and can preserve their three-point cushion at the summit with another home success.
Key takeaways
- Spain face the Czech Republic in Nations League matchday three on Saturday 3 October, with kick-off at 20:45.
- The Carlos Tartiere will host a match that could maintain Spain’s three-point lead over both England and Croatia.
- Spain have beaten England and recorded a heavy win against Croatia in their opening two group fixtures.
- Fran García has joined the squad after Alejandro Grimaldo withdrew with discomfort in his left thigh.
- Lamine Yamal begins the round as the competition’s leading scorer in the qualifying phase, with three goals and one assist.
Spain seek to protect first place
De la Fuente’s side have extended their momentum since lifting the World Cup, winning every match so far in this Nations League campaign. Their victories against England and Croatia have put them clear at the top of the group, three points ahead of each of those rivals.
That margin gives Spain a valuable early advantage, but the Czech Republic visit is an opportunity to make it count. Three points would ensure that Spain remain three clear at the head of the section and avoid added pressure in the battle to qualify for the quarter-finals as group winners.
The match is scheduled for 20:45 on Saturday 3 October in Oviedo, at the Carlos Tartiere.
A squad change and Yamal’s attacking form
Spain have been forced into one alteration before the fixture. Grimaldo left the training camp after experiencing a problem in his left thigh, with Fran García called in to replace him.
In attack, Lamine Yamal arrives with the strongest individual figures in the competition’s qualifying phase before this matchday. The Spain forward has registered three goals and an assist, making him the leading scorer at this stage.
