Spain beat Czech Republic to retain perfect Nations League record

Alex Baena scored from the spot and Marc Pubill added another seconds from time as Spain beat ten-men Czech Republic 2-0 in the Nations League in Prague on Thursday. The win leaves Spain unbeaten in 44 competitive games in a row, including five wins in as many Nations League games this season. Spain, who already secured a quarter-final berth before travelling to Prague, will face England in Madrid on Sunday in their final Group A3 game.

Baena scored on 39 minutes after a VAR check revealed Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros had handled the ball inside the box. The Atletico Madrid winger blasted his spot kick past Matej Kovar who touched the ball but failed to clear it. Czech captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 69th minute after bringing down second-half substitute Roberto Fernandez on a counter-attack.

It was a deja-vu for the Wolverhampton defender who also got a red card at the end of Spain’s 3-1 home win over the Czechs last month. Pubill, another substitute, beat Kovar with a low shot deep into stoppage time after the Czech back four left him alone facing the Eindhoven goalkeeper. Luis de la Fuentes missed Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia over injuries while Mikel Oyarzabal was sidelined with flu for the Prague game.

Spain got off to a slow start on the chilly evening but never really let the hosts get close throughout the first half. They gradually stepped up their pressure, often confining the Czechs to their box and looking for chances. Fabian Ruiz hit the post with a curling right-footer three minutes from halftime, while Dean Huijsen’s header found Kovar’s arms.

Yeremy Pino, replacing Yamal on the right flank, saw his goal overturned by VAR for offside just two minutes into the second half. The Czechs showed higher spirits after the break, but David Zima tipped the ball over the bar from close range on 50 minutes and Adam Hlozek’s glancing header landed on the top of the crossbar. The Czechs lost momentum after the red card, but Baena had two efforts cleared by Kovar who also denied Fernandez from close range.

The hosts, led by de la Fuente’s long-time collaborator Santi Denia, have lost all their Nations League games this season. They are next travelling to Croatia for a game they need to win to stay in the top tier of the competititon for the next edition.