Spain maintained their impressive run of form with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, extending their unbeaten streak in competitive matches to 44 games.
The victory also marked Spain’s fifth consecutive win in the 2026/2027 UEFA Nations League campaign.
Atletico Madrid winger Álex Baena opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting a penalty after a VAR review confirmed that Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros had handled the ball inside the box.
Baena sent his spot kick past goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who managed to get a touch but could not prevent the goal.
The hosts suffered another setback in the 69th minute when captain Ladislav Krejci received a red card for bringing down substitute Roberto Fernandez during a counter-attack.
Krejci’s dismissal was a repeat of his sending-off in the Czech Republic’s 3-1 defeat to Spain last month.
Marc Pubill, who also came on as a substitute, sealed the victory with a low finish in the sixth minute of stoppage time after finding himself unmarked against Kovar.
Meanwhile, Yeremy Pino thought he had doubled Spain’s lead shortly after the restart, but his effort was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.
Despite missing key players, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia through injuries, as well as Mikel Oyarzabal due to illness, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the encounter.
Spain gradually increased their attacking pressure after a slow start, with Fabian Ruiz hitting the post with a curling effort shortly before half-time. Dean Huijsen also tested Kovar with a header.
The Czech Republic showed greater attacking intent after the break, with David Zima sending an effort over the bar from close range before Adam Hlozek’s header struck the top of the crossbar.
However, Krejci’s dismissal disrupted the hosts’ momentum, allowing Spain to create further opportunities. Kovar denied Baena twice and also stopped Fernandez from close range.
Spain had already secured qualification for the quarter-finals before travelling to Prague and will host England in Madrid on Sunday in their final Group A3 fixture.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, have lost all their Nations League matches this season and will travel to Croatia for their final game, needing a victory to retain their place in the competition’s top tier.
