Spain defeats Czech Republic 2-0 to maintain winning streak in Nations League

Spain's defender Marc Pubill (2L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League Group A3 match between Czech Republic and Spain in Prague on November 12, 2026. CREDIT: AFP

Alex Baena scored from the penalty spot, and Marc Pubill added another goal just before the end as Spain beat ten-man Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague on Thursday.

This win keeps Spain unbeaten in 44 competitive matches, including five wins in five Nations League games this season.

Spain already secured a spot in the quarter-finals before heading to Prague. They will face England in Madrid on Sunday in their last Group A3 match.

Baena scored in the 39th minute after a VAR review showed Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros handled the ball in the box.

The Atletico Madrid winger sent his penalty past Matej Kovar, who got a touch on the ball but could not stop it.

Czech captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 69th minute for bringing down second-half substitute Roberto Fernandez during a counter-attack.

This was a repeat for the Wolverhampton defender, who also received a red card during Spain’s 3-1 home win over the Czechs last month.

Pubill, another substitute, scored with a low shot deep into stoppage time after the Czech defenders left him unmarked against the Eindhoven goalkeeper.

Spain started slowly on the chilly evening but kept the hosts at bay during the first half.

They gradually increased their pressure, often trapping the Czechs in their own half while looking for chances.

Fabian Ruiz hit the post with a curling shot three minutes before halftime, while Dean Huijsen’s header was saved by Kovar.

Yeremy Pino, who replaced Yamal on the right, had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside just two minutes into the second half.

The Czechs showed more fight after the break, but David Zima's close-range effort was tipped over the bar in the 50th minute, and Adam Hlozek’s header hit the top of the crossbar.

After the red card, the Czechs lost their momentum, but Baena had two shots saved by Kovar, who also denied Fernandez from close range.

The Czechs, under the guidance of Santi Denia, have lost all their Nations League matches this season.

Next, they will travel to Croatia for a must-win game to remain in the top tier of the competition for the next edition.