Nations League Spain: Yamal opens the scoring early

In the Nations League, Spain met the Czech Republic on Saturday evening at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo. Lamine Yamal opened the match with an early goal, keeping the Spanish winning streak alive.

Early Lead

Lamine Yamal put Spain ahead already in the fifth minute, controlling the ball at the edge of the penalty area and slotting a placed shot to make it 1-0. The young striker displayed his class and immediately put the game under Spanish control.

Rodri doubled the lead shortly before halftime; sources cite the goal in the 34th or 35th minute. His precise finish after a quick combination left the Czechs further behind.

Later Developments

In the second half, Jiri Slama reduced the deficit for the Czechs in the 69th minute, after Adam Hlozek had supplied the left wing. The goal briefly added new tension to the match.

Ladislav Krejci had his equaliser in the 79th minute ruled out by the referee and subsequently received a yellow‑red card in the 85th minute after he grabbed Roberto Fernández's shirt; goalkeeper David Raya appeared uncertain during this period.

Statistics and Outlook

Substitute Mikel Merino secured the final score with a goal in the 89th minute, delivering a 3-1 victory for Spain. This kept the team’s perfect record in the Nations League – 100 % points, nine points from three games – and extended the run of 41 matches in which it remained unbeaten after 90 minutes.

Spain therefore continues to top Group 3, while England sits second with six points and Croatia third with three. Spain’s next match takes place on Tuesday in Split against Croatia, while the Czechs meet England at Wembley Stadium.

Luis de la Fuente lined up a squad with goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Fresneda, Le Normand, Laporte and Fran García, and forwards Lamine Yamal, Baena and Roberto Fernández. For the Czech side, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and 23‑year‑old Ryan Naderi were on the bench, the latter having moved in February for a record fee from Hansa Rostock’s third division to the Glasgow Rangers and could potentially take over the place of Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) in the future.