Key Takeaways:
- Spain secured a 2-0 win against the Czech Republic at the epet ARENA, maintaining their 100% UEFA Nations League Group A3 record (W5)
- The Czech Republic suffered their fifth consecutive UNL defeat and ended the match with ten men after Ladislav Krejci’s late red card
- Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run inside 90 minutes (W34, D9) leaves them needing only a draw against England on Sunday to finish top of the group
First-Half Dominance and Set-Piece Threats
Spain demonstrated total control during the opening 45 minutes, asserting their authority with wave after wave of attacks. Dean Huijsen forced a fine save from Matej Kovar with a powerful downward header following a corner, shortly before centre-back Pau Cubarsi struck the crossbar with another headed effort from a set piece. The visitors’ persistence paid off when Lukas Ambros handled in the area, conceding a penalty. Alex Baena made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting to claim his fifth international goal and give Spain a deserved lead.
La Roja continued to threaten, striking the woodwork again via Fabian Ruiz’s curling attempt. Despite overwhelming possession, the half-time whistle sounded with Luis de la Fuente’s men just a goal to the good.
🏁 ¡¡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗔!!
Terminamos los partidos a domicilio con pleno de victorias.
🇨🇿 🆚 🇪🇸 | 0-2 | 90+6’
#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/d61QTHm7PY
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 12, 2026
Second-Half Chances and Czech Rally
Spain thought they had doubled their advantage just three minutes after the interval, as a long ball from Unai Simon released Yeremey Pino through on goal. However, Pino’s finish was ruled out for offside, offering the hosts a lifeline. This near miss injected energy into the Czech ranks, who carved out their best opportunities of the contest. A long throw led to David Zima firing over from close range, before Lukas Provod’s deflected shot trickled narrowly wide of the post.
Looking to add impetus, the Czech Republic handed youngster Idris Hopi his senior debut. Yet, it was Adam Hlozek who went closest to equalising, glancing a free-kick onto the top of the bar in a rare attacking highlight for the hosts.
Krejci’s Dismissal and Spain’s Late Decisiveness
Despite the brief resurgence, the hosts undermined their own efforts in the closing stages. Captain Ladislav Krejci, who had previously been sent off in the reverse fixture, received another straight red card after hauling down his opponent as the last defender. Down to ten men, the Czech Republic’s resistance faded. Substitute Marc Pubill then sealed the result with a late goal, venturing forward from defence to emphatically finish past Kovar and confirm Spain’s victory.
Statistical Context and Implications
The defeat extends the Czech Republic’s winless run to eight matches in all competitions (D1, L7) and ensures they remain pointless in this UEFA Nations League campaign. Spain, meanwhile, are now unbeaten in 43 matches inside 90 minutes (W34, D9) and require just a point at home to England on Sunday to secure top spot in Group A3.
