Spain continued their impressive run of form with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Thursday's UEFA Nations League encounter in Prague. Goals from Alex Baena and Marc Pubill secured all three points for Luis de la Fuente's side, who maintained their perfect record in Group A3.
The victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak in competitive matches to 44 games, while they recorded their fifth consecutive win in the Nations League this season. Having already secured qualification for the quarter-finals before travelling to Prague, the European champions strengthened their position at the top of the group.
Spain will now turn their attention to Sunday's highly anticipated meeting with England in Madrid, where the two sides will compete for first place in Group A3.
The visitors had to work patiently for their breakthrough against a well-organised Czech side. Although Spain controlled much of the opening period, clear opportunities were limited as the hosts defended with discipline.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 39th minute when VAR identified a handball by Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros inside the penalty area. The referee awarded a spot kick, and Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena stepped up to take responsibility.
Baena struck the penalty firmly towards goal. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar managed to get a hand to the effort but could not prevent the ball from crossing the line, giving Spain a deserved advantage.
Spain nearly doubled their lead before half-time when Fabian Ruiz produced a curling effort that struck the post. Defender Dean Huijsen also tested Kovar with a header, but the Czech goalkeeper managed to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
The Czech Republic showed greater attacking ambition after the restart and came close to drawing level. David Zima sent an effort over the crossbar from close range in the 50th minute, while Adam Hlozek also threatened with a header that struck the top of the woodwork.
Spain thought they had extended their advantage shortly after the interval when Yeremy Pino found the net. However, VAR ruled out the effort for offside, allowing the hosts to remain in contention.
The match took another significant turn in the 72nd minute when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci received a red card. The defender had initially been shown a yellow card for bringing down substitute Roberto Fernandez during a counter-attack, but the referee upgraded the punishment following a VAR review.
Krejci's dismissal made the hosts' task considerably more difficult, although they continued to resist Spain's attacking pressure. Kovar produced several important saves, denying Baena and Fernandez as the visitors searched for a second goal.
Spain eventually secured the victory deep into stoppage time. Substitute Marc Pubill capitalised on space inside the Czech defence before producing a low finish beyond Kovar in the 96th minute to seal the 2-0 result.
De la Fuente had to manage the contest without several important players, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia, who were unavailable through injury. Mikel Oyarzabal also missed the trip because of illness.
For the Czech Republic, the defeat extended their disappointing Nations League campaign, having lost all five of their matches in the group so far. Santi Denia's team now face a crucial trip to Croatia, where they must secure a victory to preserve their place in the competition's top division for the next edition.
Spain, meanwhile, will approach Sunday's showdown against England with confidence, knowing that another positive result would secure top spot in Group A3 and further strengthen their impressive unbeaten record.
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