Spain beat Czech Republic 3-1 to keep perfect Nations League record

Spain maintained their winning streak in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Czechia in Oviedo, featuring another early goal from Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute at the Carlos Tartiere, curling a shot into the far corner after a one-two with Dani Olmo. The Guardian reported that this was the third consecutive match in which the teenager scored inside the first six minutes. Rodrigo Hernandez added a second goal before halftime, at which point Yamal was substituted.

Czechia improved after the break and narrowed the lead through Jiri Slama in the 69th minute. The visitors thought they had equalized in the 79th minute, but referee Vassilis Fotias disallowed a goal from Ryan Naderi for an apparent foul on Robin Le Normand. Following the decision, Czechia was reduced to 10 men, though the outlets did not name the player sent off.

Mikel Merino secured the win for Spain with a goal two minutes before the end of regulation. The result leaves the reigning world and European champions one point away from the Nations League quarter-finals. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente told ESPN he was in disbelief at Yamal's form, stating the player is on course to become a legend.

Before the match, Rodri was presented with the World Cup trophy by Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata. While World Soccer Talk noted that Czechia has never defeated Spain in eight meetings, The Guardian observed that the match ended with a level of jeopardy that was unexpected after Spain's dominant first half.

Background

Spain entered the match following a 3-2 win over England and a 4-1 victory against Croatia in Group 3 of League A. Czechia sat at the bottom of the group prior to kickoff, having lost their opening matches to Croatia and England.