Spain dominates the Czech Republic with an early attack

On 3/10/2026, at 20:45, under the direction of referee Vassilios Fotias, Spain beat the Czech Republic 3‑1 in the Nations League, consolidating its first place in the group and securing qualification for the final stages. The match offered an offensive display from the opening minutes.

Match Progression

Spain opened the scoring in the fifth minute thanks to Lamine Yamal, who found the net after a decisive pass from Roberto Fernández. The same striker doubled the lead in the thirty‑fourth minute, taking advantage of a cross from Yéremy Pino. The first corner was cleared quickly, limiting Czech attempts.

The Czech Republic reduced the deficit in the sixty‑eighth minute, with Mikel Merino scoring on a counter‑attack led by Adam Hlozek. The goal was scored after a decisive pass from Adam Hlozek, who had already created a chance in the sixty‑first minute. This goal revived Czech hopes before the end of the first half.

The fourth official indicated four minutes of added time. Goalkeeper David Raya, identified as Raya Martín, received a yellow card in the fifty‑nine minute. Fermín López received a yellow card in the fifty‑seven minute, while Antonín Kinsky was cautioned in the sixty‑three minute. In the sixty‑six minute, Rodri was substituted for Martín Zubimendi, while Mikel Merino came on. Stepán Chaloupek was penalized in the ninety minute for dangerous play.

Robin Le Normand earned a free kick in the opponent's half in the sixty‑first minute, but the shot missed the target. Victor Muñoz attempted two long-range strikes, including one in the eighty‑eighth minute, saved by the Czech goalkeeper. Victor Muñoz also tried a penalty‑spot shot in the eighty‑eighth minute, saved by the Czech goalkeeper. Roberto Fernández earned a free kick in the fifty‑six minute, but the ball was cleared.

Tactics and Changes

Spain started in a 4‑3‑3 formation, then switched to a 4‑2‑3‑1 in the seventieth minute before reverting to a 4‑3‑3 formation for the final moments. These adjustments aimed to strengthen the midfield and protect the result. The shift to the 4‑2‑3‑1 saw Martín Zubimendi come on and Rodri come off, providing more defensive solidity.

The starting eleven included Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Mikel Merino, as well as defenders David Raya (Raya Martín), A. Laporte Fevre and I. Fresneda Corraliza. In midfield, Roberto Fernández, Dani Olmo and Álvaro García Torres provided the creativity, while the forwards included Álvaro Baena Rodríguez and Álvaro Fernández Jaén. Midfielder P. González López played a key role in the transition. Right‑back Hernández Cascante provided defensive coverage. Olmo Carvajal added depth on the right flank. On the bench, notable substitutes were M. Cucurella Saseta and D. Huijsen Wijsmuller, ready to reinforce the defense, and Nasraoui Ebana, present as a defensive option.

Rodri scored the third Spanish goal in the eighty‑eighth minute, sealing the 3‑1 victory. After that goal, Spain maintained pressure, but the Czech Republic was unable to create another decisive chance. The match ended to the applause of the crowd, with Spain confirming its group leadership.