Mikel Merino decides the duel between Spain and the Czech Republic
Moments after the Czech Republic reduced the score, Mikel Merino came on in the 89th minute to seal Spain's 3-1 win in Oviedo, a result that cemented the third consecutive victory in the Nations League and kept the streak of 41 matches without defeat.
Tactical revolution and lineup changes
With nine changes compared to the previous match in Seville, Luis de la Fuente introduced two debutants and overhauled almost the entire eleven, including Fresneda and Roberto, who took the lead very early. El Periodista Deportivo highlighted the team's freshness, which started with a reinforced defence and greater offensive mobility. The rotation showed the coach's confidence in the squad's depth.
Goals, red card and Merino's decisive role
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 6th minute, netting his fourth goal in the group stage after having scored at Wembley and against Croatia. Rodri extended the lead in the 35th minute, while Jiri Slama pulled one back for the Czech Republic in the 69th minute, making it 2-1. The dismissal of Ladislav Krejci in the 85th minute reduced the Czech side to ten men, and Merino, recalling his World Cup goal in July, completed the 3-1 four minutes later.
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This is not the first time the Navarrese has settled a match in the dying minutes; in July he gave Spain a quarter‑final place at the World Cup against Portugal with a goal in the 91st minute. Merino's ability to influence critical moments has become a valuable asset for the national team.
After the win, the group was topped by Spain with a three‑point lead over England, although the English have a better goal difference. The Czech Republic, winless after three defeats, occupies the relegation spot to League B of the Nations League.
The next test comes on Tuesday, October 6, at home to Croatia, which will close this international window before the final two matchdays in November. Spain will look to maintain its dominance while Croatia will try to close the gap in the standings.