OVIEDO, Spain — Lamine Yamal scored for the third consecutive match as Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 on October 3, maintaining its perfect start to the UEFA Nations League and moving to nine points at the top of Group A3.
Rodri and substitute Mikel Merino also scored for Spain, which opened a Nations League campaign with three successive victories for the first time. The hosts held off a second-half challenge from Czechia to remain three points ahead of England.
Yamal opened the scoring with a curling finish, continuing a run in which he had also scored against England and Croatia. Captain Rodri doubled Spain’s advantage after collecting a loose ball inside the penalty area and driving his shot high into the net.
Czechia reduced the deficit with just over 20 minutes remaining when Jiri Slama scored, bringing the visitors back within a goal.
Their comeback hopes faded when captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off late in the match. Merino then struck Spain’s third, finishing into the bottom corner to secure the victory, according to UEFA’s matchday report.
Lamine Yamal maintains scoring run
Yamal’s latest goal followed his two-goal performance in Spain’s 4-1 victory over Croatia on September 29. He also assisted Marc Pubill in that match, with Nico Williams completing the scoring.
Spain began its campaign with a 3-2 away victory against England on September 26 before adding successive home wins against Croatia and Czechia.
The three results left Spain with 10 goals scored and four conceded midway through its six-match group schedule.
Spain’s perfect Nations League start follows its 2026 FIFA World Cup final victory over Argentina, which secured the country’s second men’s world title.
Croatia rematch comes next
England remained second in Group A3 with six points after defeating Croatia 7-0 on October 3. Croatia had three points, while Czechia remained without a point after three defeats.
Spain next visits Croatia on October 6, while England hosts Czechia. Spain’s remaining group matches are away against Czechia on November 12 and at home against England on November 15.
