Spain maintained its perfect start to the UEFA Nations League campaign on October 3, 2026, defeating the Czech Republic 3–1 at Estadio Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Merino secured the victory, extending the world champions’ unbeaten run to 41 matches despite a second-half surge from the visitors.
Oviedo opener sets the tone for La Roja
Playing in front of home supporters in Oviedo, Spain asserted control early against a Czech Republic side looking for its first points in Group 3. Head coach Luis de la Fuente adjusted the pre-match roster, leaving Pau Cubarsí and Carlos Espí out of the 23-man matchday squad to manage their workloads, while welcoming back Roberto Fernández to the list. La Roja broke through in the 6th minute when Lamine Yamal collected a pass from Dani Olmo at the edge of the penalty area, shifted to his left foot, and curled a precise strike into the top corner.
The 19-year-old Barcelona winger’s opening goal set an assertive tempo for the reigning world champions. Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky, making his first competitive senior start for his national team following his €16 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, made several crucial stops during the opening half. He denied Dani Olmo in the 32nd minute, but could do nothing three minutes later when Spain captain Rodri combined with Pedri before unleashing a powerful shot into the upper netting to double the lead before halftime.
Czech resistance and late drama test Spanish defense
After a heavily one-sided first period, the match shifted dramatically after the interval. The Czech Republic increased its attacking pressure against a static Spanish defense, and left-back Jiří Slama capitalized in the 69th minute by scoring with a surprising crossed shot to narrow the deficit to 2–1. The visitors nearly punished Spain further moments later when Spanish goalkeeper David Raya released a ball near his goal line, though an ensuing Czech free-kick equalizer was disallowed by the referee due to a foul on defender Robin Le Normand.
As the Czech team pressed for an equalizer, physical play mounted. Krejčí received two yellow cards within a span of minutes, resulting in a red card that reduced the visitors to 10 men in the closing stages. With numerical superiority restored, Spain sealed the result in the 89th minute when Mikel Merino reacted quickest to slam home a rebound pushed out by Kinsky, securing a 3–1 final scoreline that moves Spain to nine points at the summit of Group 3.
Switzerland beats Slovenia to lead Group 1
Elsewhere in Nations League action, Switzerland endured a turbulent start against Slovenia before recovering to claim a 2–1 victory. Slovenia opened the scoring inside the first minute through Vipotnik’s left-footed strike past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The hosts responded quickly in the 10th minute when Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak misjudged a corner kick, allowing the Swiss to equalize. Dan Ndoye then put the Nati ahead before halftime in the 38th minute, and the Swiss backline managed the second half to secure their third straight win and sole possession of first place in Group 1.
In the same group, Scotland secured an away victory against North Macedonia 2–0. Scotland joins Slovenia with four points after their victory in North Macedonia. A player was later sent off in the 83rd minute for a dangerous tackle, without consequence on the result.
Spain defends group leadership after victory
Spain’s victory at Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Saturday, October 3, 2026, was the third match for the two formations during the winter break. La Roja will continue their campaign during the ongoing international window as they defend their group leadership.
