Spain beat Czechia 3-1 to stay atop Nations League group

Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 in Oviedo on Saturday, October 3, extending their perfect start in the UEFA Nations League and keeping them at the top of Group A3. Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Jiri Slama found the net for Czechia. Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute, curling a shot into the far corner after receiving the ball on the right side of the area. It was his third consecutive match with a goal for Spain. Rodri added the second before halftime, finishing from inside the penalty area after the ball came back to him following a pass to Pedri. Spain held a two-goal advantage at the break, but Czechia made the contest closer after the interval. Slama pulled one back in the 69th minute, finishing a move set up by Adam Hlozek. Czechia later appeared to equalise through substitute Ryan Naderi, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the buildup, according to match accounts. Czechia were reduced to 10 players after Ladislav Krejci received a second yellow card. Merino scored late to restore Spain’s two-goal lead and secure the win. Reports differ on the precise minute of Merino’s goal, so the timing is not specified here.