Spain extended its record-breaking unbeaten run in competitive international matches to 42 games on Saturday, defeating the Czech Republic 3–1 at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo. Luis de la Fuente’s side maintained its lead at the top of the FIFA world ranking despite making nine changes to the starting lineup that previously faced Croatia. No team has ever managed to bend Spain, and in their last seven clashes, De la Fuente’s men have faced five national teams positioned in the FIFA Top-10: Portugal, Belgium, France, Argentina, and England.
Oviedo Victory Extends Unbeaten Run
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the first half to put the reigning world champions ahead before being substituted at halftime, quickly letting the Czechs know they had little to do while continuing to strike like a hammer in the Ballon d’Or race, though Harry Kane scored a brace against Croatia. Rodri added the second goal just before the interval to solidify Spain’s dominance during a heavily controlled opening 45 minutes that saw multiple clear chances created by Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Álex Baena. The Czech Republic replied in the second half through a goal from Slama, applying sustained pressure on the home side before Mikel Merino sealed the result later in the match.
The victory marks Spain’s 35th win across their last 42 official fixtures. The sequence began following a 2–0 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park on March 28, 2023, with the active streak officially starting on June 15, 2023, against Italy. During this stretch, only six teams have managed to secure draws against La Roja: Croatia, Serbia, the Netherlands twice, Portugal, Turkey, and Cabo Verde.
Luis De La Fuente Tests Squad Depth with Rotation
Manager Luis de la Fuente utilized the fixture to test squad depth, handing international debuts to Fresneda and Roberto while making nine alterations from the team that routed Croatia. Goalkeeper Unai Simón was named to the bench for the first time in an official fixture since June 2024 against Albania, leaving Aymeric Laporte as the sole representative from Athletic Bilbao in the starting XI.
Despite the significant rotation, Spain secured three wins from their opening three fixtures in the UEFA Nations League—having previously overcome England, Croatia, and Czechia—as Luis de la Fuente’s men never tire of winning and remain perpetually hungry even when they do not shine, as seen in the Asturian field.
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