Shorthanded Spain down ten-man Czechia 2-0 to stay perfect in Nations League

Spain ground out a 2-0 win over ten-man Czechia at the Letná Stadium in Prague on Thursday, extending their unbeaten run and keeping them perfect in UEFA Nations League Group A3 — all without Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Conditions were difficult, with temperatures at 4°C and humidity above 90% according to the Spanish federation. The game was tight and chances scarce, but Atlético Madrid’s Álex Baena broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Lukáš Ambros was penalised for handball, his powerful effort beating goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.

Spain thought they had doubled their lead after the interval when a Yéremy Pino effort was ruled out by VAR. The contest remained physical throughout — referee Nikola Dabanovic booked Pedro Porro in the 12th minute and Mikel Merino in the 69th before dismissing Krejčí, leaving the hosts a man down for the closing stages.

Spain made the numerical advantage count deep into added time. Marc Pubill won the ball back in Czechia’s half and rolled it into the bottom corner to settle the match. For Atlético supporters, Baena’s goal was the standout moment of the night; Fermín López, by contrast, is still waiting for his first Spain goal at international level.

The result was Spain’s 12th consecutive victory and their fifth straight win in the Nations League. According to ESPN, it also extended their record unbeaten run in all competitions — their last defeat came against Colombia in March 2024. Czechia, meanwhile, have now lost every Nations League fixture this season. Their coach is the Spaniard Santi Denia.

England kept pace on the same evening, beating Croatia 2-1 at Wembley to sit three points behind Spain heading into the final round of group games. That sets up a straight shoot-out for first place at the Metropolitano on Sunday, though Spain will only need a draw to finish top.

They should also be closer to full strength for that meeting. Yamal’s knee problem made Prague the first match he had missed for club or country this season — he had started all 20 previous games, contributing 17 goals and 13 assists — and he is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of Sunday’s decider.