Spain extended their remarkable start to the Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Czechia in Oviedo, a result built once again around the astonishing early influence of teenager Lamine Yamal.
For the third straight international, Yamal found the net inside six minutes, a feat that has become almost expected given his recent form. The winger had already gone close moments into the match, guiding a shot just wide after racing onto a pass from Dani Olmo. He would not be denied long, though, combining with Olmo for a one-two before curling a brilliant effort into the far corner to open the scoring just over five minutes in.
It was his third goal in as many matches scored within the opening six minutes, following similarly swift strikes against England and Croatia. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was full of praise afterward, declaring: "Lamine Yamal is on course to become a legend."
With Yamal setting the tone, Spain dominated the opening period, finishing the first half with 13 shots to Czechia's one and 70 percent of possession. The hosts doubled their lead in the 32nd minute through an unusual source — Rodri, generally content to dictate play from deep, drove forward from the center circle and slid a pass to Pedri, whose shot deflected off a defender and looped into the net.
Spain continued to create chances before the break, with Yamal setting up Alex Baena for an effort saved by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, before Baena returned the favor with a dinked pass that Yamal could only scuff wide. Both players were substituted at halftime, their contributions seemingly complete.
The match, however, was far from over. Czechia emerged a different side after the interval, growing into the contest and pulling a goal back in the 69th minute. Adam Hlozek played a defense-splitting pass into the path of the onrushing Jiri Slama, who finished low past David Raya to give the visitors hope.
Spain's goalkeeper endured a nervy spell shortly after, misplacing a pass that nearly gifted Ondrej Lingr an equalizer, though his effort drifted wide of an open goal. Czechia believed they had leveled the score in the 79th minute when Ladislav Krejci headed a long cross toward goal, Raya failed to hold on, and Ryan Naderi bundled the loose ball over the line. Referee Vassilis Fotias, however, ruled out the goal for a foul in the build-up, a decision that left Czechia coach Santi Denia visibly frustrated on the touchline.
The night turned further against the visitors when Krejci was shown a red card soon after, reducing Czechia to ten men. Spain made the extra man count in stoppage time, with Victor Munoz breaking clear and forcing a save from Kinsky before Mikel Merino followed up to tap in the rebound and secure the 3-1 win with two minutes remaining.
The victory marked Spain's first appearance at the Carlos Tartiere in eleven years, with the world and European champions receiving a warm reception from the Oviedo crowd. The occasion carried extra significance as Rodri was presented with the World Cup trophy before kickoff by club legends Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata, both academy products of Real Oviedo.
The result leaves Spain just one point away from securing qualification to the Nations League quarter finals, continuing their perfect start to the competition behind the continued heroics of their teenage sensation.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.