Spain make it three Nations League wins with 3-1 victory over Czech Republic

Spain maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League with a 3-1 win over Czech Republic in the third round of Group C.

Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino were on target for Spain, while Jiri Slama scored Czech Republic’s only goal.

The result moved Spain to nine points at the top of the group, which also includes England and Croatia. They are the only side in the section to have won all three of their matches.

Spain’s victory also extended their unbeaten run in the Nations League to 16 matches. Their record during that sequence is 11 wins and five draws, making it the longest unbeaten run by any team in the history of the competition, which began in 2018.

Yamal’s contribution took his total to five goal involvements in the current Nations League campaign. He has scored four goals and provided one assist.

Yamal and Rodri put Spain in control

Spain took the lead after only five minutes when Yamal collected a pass from Dani Olmo and curled a shot into the Czech Republic net.

Rodri doubled the advantage in the 35th minute, finishing from inside the penalty area to give Spain a two-goal lead at half-time.

Czech Republic reduced the deficit in the 69th minute through Slama, who converted after being set up by Adam Hlozek.

Spain restored their two-goal advantage in the 89th minute. Merino found the net with a shot from inside the penalty area to complete the scoring.

The win was Spain’s third in the group stage and kept them at the summit of Group C with a maximum nine points.

Spain will face Croatia in the fourth round of the Nations League next Tuesday, while Czech Republic will play England on the same day.