UEFA Nations League: Yamal scores as Spain beat Czech Republic

Lamine Yamal continued his impressive goalscoring run as Spain defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 on Saturday to strengthen their position at the top of Group A3 in the Nations League.

The world champions moved three points clear of England, who earlier recorded a 7-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka.

Yamal strikes again for Spain

Spain took control early in Oviedo when Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute with another spectacular finish.

The 19-year-old Barcelona winger collected the ball on the right side of the penalty area, created space for himself and curled an excellent effort into the top corner.

The goal continued Yamal’s remarkable recent form, with the youngster now having scored 11 goals in his last eight appearances for club and country.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Rodri Hernandez arrived in the box and drilled the ball into the top corner after it fell kindly to him.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente made several changes to the side that defeated Croatia on Tuesday, including handing international debuts to full-back Ivan Fresneda and striker Roberto Fernandez.

Czech Republic threaten comeback

De la Fuente substituted Yamal at half-time to preserve the Barcelona star ahead of Spain’s trip to face Croatia on Tuesday.

Without Yamal on the pitch, the tempo of the match dropped, allowing the Czech Republic to find a way back into the contest.

Jiri Slama reduced the deficit with 20 minutes remaining after Adam Hlozek played him through, allowing the midfielder to produce a low finish across Spain goalkeeper David Raya.

Raya was fortunate shortly afterwards when he gave away possession with a misplaced pass while outside his goal, although the Czech Republic failed to take advantage.

The Arsenal goalkeeper later spilled another effort, with Ryan Naderi turning the loose ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Spain defender Robin Le Normand.

The Czech Republic’s hopes of completing a comeback suffered another blow when Ladislav Krejci was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for pulling back Fernandez.

Spain took advantage of the numerical advantage and eventually restored their two-goal lead through Mikel Merino, who finished from close range in the final stages.

Liverpool winger Victor Munoz also came close before Merino’s goal completed the scoring.

The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 41 consecutive matches, including their World Cup final victory over Argentina in July.