Spain secured a 3-1 victory against the Czech Republic in Oviedo, maintaining a perfect record despite what was reported as a disjointed and lackluster second-half performance. Manager Luis de la Fuente made nine changes to his starting lineup, introducing fresh faces such as Sporting Portugal right-back Fresneda and Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández. The manager even changed the goalkeeper, leaving Unai Simon to make way for David Raya. Fresneda and Roberto Fernández did not look out of place. The right-back had enough to do interpreting Lamine, while the striker struggled a bit more trying to interpret his teammates’ movements. Luis de la Fuente had only made nine changes once before in an official match during his tenure, which went poorly in Scotland in March 2023, and had not repeated the practice except at the European Championship when the group stage fixture against Albania was already decided. The world champions went to the break with a two-goal advantage and another couple of very clear chances.
Early Brilliance Sets the Tone in Oviedo
The world champions opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Lamine collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, cut inside, and curled a shot into the far top corner. reported that the early strike established a comfortable monolog for Spain, who dominated possession and created multiple chances through Rodri and Dani Olmo before the interval. Olmo had another couple of opportunities that could well have been converted into a thrashing.
Tactical Changes Disrupt Second-Half Flow
Spain began moving the ball at a walking pace, allowing the Czech Republic to find a foothold in the match. The team started playing while walking and without enthusiasm, right after the manager tried to alter that by bringing in the energy of Fermin and Merino.
Czech Republic Threatens Late Comeback
Spain avoided further damage when the Czech Republic was reduced to 10 players in the 84th minute. The Czech Republic offered no resistance until suddenly believing they could equalize in the final stretch, with Santi Denia’s project measured only by a little bit of positioning, a little bit of enthusiasm, and nothing more. The visitors got into the match through a goal scored by Slama following a sequence where the selection failed to cut out a succession of ordinary passes that allowed the left-back to arrive.
Mikel Merino Seals the Result
With six minutes remaining and the visitors playing a man down, Mikel Merino scored to restore a two-goal margin and finalize the 3-1 scoreline. reported that the victory leaves Spain with nine points from three matches, bringing the team within reach of qualification for the tournament’s quarterfinals ahead of their upcoming fixture against Croatia.
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