World : Yamal Inspires Spain To Nations League Win Over Czech Republic

World champions Spain secured their perfect start to the Nations League campaign by defeating the Czech Republic 3-1 in Oviedo. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the sixth minute, outwitting three defenders near the penalty area. Barcelona's experienced midfielder Rodri, now at Barcelona, extended the lead with a goal in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a mix-up by the Czech defenders to slot the ball into the top corner.

However, Jiri Slama equalized for the Czechs in the 69th minute with a low shot past Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya. Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci received a second yellow card and was sent off for two bookable offences in stoppage time, leaving Spain with a numerical advantage. Spain sealed the victory in the 89th minute as Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino tapped in a loose ball.

This win extends Spain's winning streak to 10 matches since their shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde during the World Cup group phase. With nine points from their three Nations League matches, Spain currently leads Group A3, three points ahead of England, who won 7-0 against Croatia earlier on Saturday. Spain's next match is against Croatia on Tuesday, and a win would see them advance to the quarter-finals with two group games to spare.

They face the Czech Republic away on November 12th before concluding the group phase against England on November 15th at the Metropolitano Stadium in Atletico Madrid. Spain, who won the 2026 World Cup and the 2023 Nations League, have previously won the Nations League in 2023 and finished as runners-up in 2021 and 2025. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final of the competition are scheduled for March and June.