Spain Beat 10-Man Czechia 2-0 to Extend Unbeaten Run to 44 Matches
Álex Baena scores from the penalty spot before Marc Pubill seals victory in Prague as Spain maintain perfect Nations League record
Spain celebrate their 2-0 Nations League victory over Czechia in Prague.
Spain defeated 10-man Czechia 2-0 in Prague on Thursday to record their fifth consecutive win in the UEFA Nations League.
Álex Baena opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. Meanwhile, substitute Marc Pubill secured the victory with a stoppage-time goal.
The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 44 games. They have also collected 15 points from five matches in Nations League Group A3.
Spain had already secured a place in the quarter-finals before travelling to Prague. However, Sunday’s final group match against England in Madrid will determine which side finishes top of Group A3.
Baena Converts First-Half Penalty
Spain gradually increased their pressure after a cautious start on a chilly evening.
Their breakthrough came when Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros handled the ball inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Spain a penalty.
Baena stepped forward and sent his spot-kick past goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who touched the ball but could not keep it out.
Pakistan’s Foreign Reserves Rise to $26.84bn as Gold Prices Extend Decline
Spain continued to threaten before the interval. Fabian Ruiz struck the post with a curling effort, while Dean Huijsen also tested Kovar with a header.
Krejci Sent Off After VAR Review
Czechia showed greater attacking intent after the break. David Zima sent an effort over the bar, while Adam Hlozek’s glancing header struck the top of the crossbar.
However, Spain remained dangerous. Yeremy Pino briefly thought he had doubled the lead, but VAR ruled out his goal for offside.
Czechia’s challenge became harder when captain Ladislav Krejci received a red card for bringing down substitute Roberto Fernandez during a counter-attack.
The dismissal followed a similar incident in last month’s meeting, when Krejci was also sent off during Spain’s 3-1 home victory.
Pubill Seals Spain’s Fifth Consecutive Win
Spain continued to create chances after the dismissal. Kovar denied two efforts from Baena and also stopped Fernandez from close range.
Nevertheless, Czechia held on until deep into stoppage time. Pubill then found space and beat Kovar with a low finish in the 90th minute plus six.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was without several injured players, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia. Mikel Oyarzabal also missed the match because of flu.
The victory keeps Spain at the top of Group A3 with a perfect record. They will host England on Sunday, November 15, in their final group fixture.
Czechia, meanwhile, remain without a win in the competition. They must travel to Croatia and secure victory to retain their place in the Nations League’s top tier for the next edition.
