Spain Maintain Perfect Nations League Start with Czechia Victory
Spain stretched their unbeaten run to 41 matches with a 3-1 UEFA Nations League win over Czechia at Estadio Carlos Tartiere, keeping Luis de la Fuente’s side clear at the top of Group 3.
Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino scored as Spain moved to nine points, three ahead of England. Czechia remain bottom of the section after another defeat, still without a point.
De la Fuente backs rotation despite late pressure
De la Fuente made extensive use of his squad during the international window and said the changes made after half-time affected Spain’s attacking fluency, with Czechia finding a way back into the contest.
Spain had controlled the opening period and created chances, but their manager accepted that the tempo dropped once replacements entered the game. He stressed that workload management remains a priority, confirming that none of his players had been made to play all 270 minutes during the window.
“We dominated in the first half and made opportunities,” De la Fuente said. “Our attitude did not change after the break, but the substitutions changed the rhythm. We lost some sharpness, although we are very focused on looking after the players. Nobody has completed three full matches in this international break.”
The Spain boss believes the uncomfortable spell against Czechia could prove useful when his team face knockout football later in the campaign. He praised his players for resisting the pressure and protecting the result.
“A single mistake or lapse in concentration can lose you a goal or a game, so I am especially pleased that the unbeaten sequence continues,” he said. “We had to suffer tonight, which is not something we are particularly accustomed to.”
What happens next
Spain travel to Croatia for their next Nations League Group 3 fixture on October 6. De la Fuente is expected to keep rotating his options as he aims to maintain freshness while pushing La Roja closer to the knockout rounds.
