Spain beat Czechia 3-1 to extend unbeaten run to 41 matches

Spain secured a third straight UEFA Nations League win with a 3-1 victory over Czechia on Saturday at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo. The result extends the national team's unbeaten run to 41 matches and keeps them with a perfect record atop their group.

Luis de la Fuente's side controlled the game from the start. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after just six minutes following a pass from Dani Olmo. Rodri doubled the lead around the half-hour mark with a powerful strike from outside the box. "It's my first goal in this competition and it comes at an important time," the midfielder said afterwards.

Czechia pulled one back in the 69th minute through a Jiri Slama header from an Adam Hložek cross. The match grew more frantic late on, with Czech defender Ladislav Krejčí sent off for a second yellow card. Mikel Merino sealed the three points in the 89th minute after a flowing team move.

De la Fuente handed debuts to Roberto Fernández and Iván Fresneda, who formed part of a back line with Raya, Le Normand, Laporte and Fran García. In midfield, Pedri dictated the tempo as Spain dominated possession, reportedly holding the ball 81% of the time. The coach made five substitutions, including the introduction of Fermín López, who was later booked. The depth of the squad was key to managing the match.

Spain heads into that match in high spirits and with a clean sheet record still intact in World Cup qualifying, having not conceded a goal in three matches.