Lamine Yamal scored his third consecutive early goal for Spain as the European champions beat Czechia 3-1 in Oviedo to maintain their perfect start in the Nations League.
The Barcelona forward opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a curling finish before Rodri doubled Spain’s advantage in the first half. Czechia threatened a comeback through Jiri Slama, but Mikel Merino scored late to secure a third successive victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who extended their unbeaten run to 41 matches in all competitions.
Yamal had scored inside the opening six minutes in Spain’s previous two games against England and Croatia, and he continued that run with another outstanding finish. After combining with Dani Olmo on the edge of the penalty area, the 19-year-old created space before curling the ball beyond Antonin Kinsky and into the far corner.
He had already come close moments earlier, running on to an Olmo pass before guiding his shot narrowly wide. His goal brought an immediate response from the home crowd, who had waited 11 years to see Spain play at the Carlos Tartiere stadium.
Spain controlled the first half, restricting Czechia to little attacking threat while creating repeated opportunities to extend their lead. Kinsky, making his debut for the visitors, denied Pedri and Olmo before the hosts found a second goal through Rodri.
The Manchester City midfielder, captaining Spain, drove forward from midfield in the 35th minute and combined with Pedri as the attack developed. A blocked pass left the ball available inside the penalty area, where Rodri reacted quickly to fire into the roof of the net for his first Spain goal since the Euro 2024 final.
With the hosts seemingly comfortable, De la Fuente replaced Yamal and Álex Baena at half-time. The changes appeared to offer Czechia an opportunity to recover, and the visitors emerged with greater attacking intent after the break.
Spain struggled to maintain their earlier control, allowing Czechia to build pressure and threaten David Raya’s goal. The goalkeeper’s misplaced pass presented Ondrej Lingr with an opportunity to score, but the forward failed to hit the target with the goal unguarded.
Czechia reduced the deficit in the 69th minute through Slama. Adam Hlozek carried the ball forward before releasing the overlapping full-back, who drove a low angled shot beyond Raya to give the visitors renewed hope.
Their comeback appeared complete 10 minutes later when Ryan Naderi scored from close range after Raya failed to hold Ladislav Krejci’s header. However, referee Vassilis Fotias ruled out the goal for an alleged foul on Robin Le Normand during the free-kick move, a decision that provoked protests from the Czech players and coaching staff.
Czechia’s task became more difficult when Krejci received a second yellow card for a foul on Roberto Fernandez, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the closing stages.
Spain took advantage in the 88th minute to end the contest. Víctor Munoz broke into the penalty area and forced Kinsky into a save, but Merino followed up to turn the rebound into the net.
