Lamine Yamal continued his remarkable goalscoring run as Spain overcame the Czech Republic 3-1 on Saturday to strengthen their position at the top of Nations League Group A3.
The world champions moved three points clear of England, who earlier demolished Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, as Yamal, Rodri Hernandez and Mikel Merino struck for Spain.
Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute with another moment of individual brilliance, curling an exquisite effort into the top corner from the right side of the box after creating space for the shot.
The 19-year-old Barcelona winger has now scored 11 goals in his last eight appearances for club and country, further strengthening his credentials as a leading Ballon d’Or contender.
Rodri doubled Spain’s advantage in the 35th minute, arriving in the box to drill a powerful finish into the top corner after the ball fell kindly to him.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente substituted Yamal at half-time, with Tuesday’s trip to Croatia in mind. Without their influential winger, the pace of the contest dropped considerably.
The Czech Republic were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when Jiri Slama produced a fine low finish across goalkeeper David Raya after being played through by Adam Hlozek.
The visitors almost gifted the Czechs another opportunity moments later when Raya misplaced a pass while outside his goal, but the hosts failed to take advantage.
Raya was then beaten again when Ryan Naderi turned the ball home, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul on Spain defender Robin Le Normand.
The Czech Republic’s hopes of completing a comeback suffered another blow when Ladislav Krejci was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling back Spain debutant Roberto Fernandez.
Spain eventually sealed the victory late on when Mikel Merino reacted quickest to finish from close range.
The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 41 matches, a sequence that includes their World Cup final victory over Argentina in July.
De la Fuente made several changes to the side that defeated Croatia on Tuesday, including handing debuts to full-back Ivan Fresneda and striker Fernandez.
Spain will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s meeting with Croatia, while the Czech Republic face the difficult task of regrouping after suffering another defeat.
