Baena penalty and Pubill’s late strike secure chaotic Spain win in Prague

Spain overcame a dramatic night in Prague to beat Czechia 2-0 and preserve their perfect Nations League record, with Alex Baena’s controversial penalty and Marc Pubill’s stoppage-time goal deciding a match that also featured an overturned goal, a missed Czech opportunity and a red card.

The result leaves the world champions top of the group with 15 points from five matches. Czechia remain bottom without a point after losing all five of their games.

Baena breaks the deadlock

Spain controlled possession and the midfield from the opening stages, attempting to impose their usual rhythm on the game. Czechia’s organised defence, however, repeatedly blocked their route to goal.

Ferran Torres was among Spain’s most active players and came close to changing the score, but the home side held firm for much of the first half.

The breakthrough arrived in controversial circumstances in the 39th minute. Czechia’s Ambros handled the ball inside the penalty area after it struck him near the elbow. The incident was not spotted during the live action, but the video assistant referee identified the contact.

After reviewing the footage at the pitchside monitor, Montenegrin referee Nikola Dabanovic awarded a penalty. Baena stepped up and converted confidently to put Spain ahead.

The visitors went into half-time 1-0 up, continuing their historical dominance over Czechia on home soil.

Czechia reduced to 10 men

Spain thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half when the ball found the Czech net again. Their celebrations were cut short, though, as the referee ruled the goal out for offside.

Czechia then produced a major chance to equalise and potentially reset the contest. The opportunity underlined the home side’s determination to find a positive result despite already being out of the competition.

Their task became significantly harder when the referee showed a red card to Czechia defender Krejci. The hosts were forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 men, giving Spain both a numerical and psychological advantage.

Unai Simon also played an important role during the difficult moments, maintaining his composure as Czechia searched for a way back into the game.

Spain finally made the extra man count in the sixth minute of added time. Pubill took advantage of confusion in the Czech defence following the dismissal and finished to make it 2-0.

The late goal ended Czechia’s resistance and ensured Spain collected another three points in their run of consecutive victories.

Spain’s record in the group now stands at five wins, 13 goals scored and five conceded. Czechia, by contrast, have scored twice and conceded 11 goals, leaving them close to an official relegation to League B.