Spain maintain Group C lead in Nations League despite Czech resistance

Spain extended their unbeaten run by beating the Czech Republic 2‑0 on Thursday in the Nations League Group C match, keeping La Roja at the top of the group ahead of their upcoming clash with England in Madrid.

Unbeaten streak and match overview

One report notes Spain have avoided defeat for 42 consecutive games, while another records an unbeaten streak of 43 matches across all competitions.

Sources differ on the margin, with one account citing a 2‑0 win and another a 1‑0 victory.

The fixture took place on Thursday as part of the Nations League Group C schedule.

Key moments and player contributions

Álex Baena converted a penalty to give La Roja the lead, and Marc Pubill added a second in stoppage time.

The penalty resulted after Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros was judged to have handled the ball following an elbow‑touch incident that prompted a VAR review.

Baena's spot‑kick was low to the left corner, beating goalkeeper Matej Kovár who guessed the side of the shot.

Around the 30th minute, Jordi Cucurella delivered a corner that Pau Cubarsí headed onto the crossbar.

Just before the interval, Fabián Ruiz struck the post with a powerful effort that narrowly missed doubling Spain's advantage.

Early in the second half Unai Simón launched a long ball to Yeremy Pino, whose chip was ruled out for off‑side.

Czech captain Ladislav Krejci was shown a red card in the 69th minute for denying a clear goal‑scoring opportunity after a VAR check on a foul on defender Roberto Fernández.

Fernández had initially received a yellow card, which was upgraded to a red after the VAR intervention.

The dismissal left the Czech side with ten men, while Spain continued with a full complement for the remaining twenty minutes.

Luis de la Fuente introduced Pedri from the bench to inject fresh creativity into the midfield.

Marc Pubill, also a substitute, seized the moment in injury time, scoring after the ball rebounded from Roberto Fernández's post following a Czech error.

Adam Hlozek later saw his header crash against the crossbar, denying the hosts a chance to level the score.

The Czech side repeatedly sought to exploit their height advantage in aerial duels throughout the encounter.

They generated several opportunities but failed to convert any into a goal.

A brief 15‑minute spell in the second half saw the Czechs create danger with long throws and set‑pieces, testing the Spanish defence.

Spain dominated possession from the outset, circulating the ball side‑to‑side in coordinated attacks.

Key absentees for Spain included midfielders Rodri and Lamine Yamal, limiting their options.

Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López and Pedri were among the notable players on the field.

Fermín López was the most active Spanish player, repeatedly making runs down the right flank and seeking crossing positions.

Future implications

The victory ensured La Roja retained the top spot in Group C of the Nations League.

Spain will host England on Sunday in Madrid, a direct contest that could decide the group winner.

Czech Republic travel to face Croatia on Sunday, a match that will affect the lower end of the table.

Spain have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter‑finals.

The win marked Spain’s fifth successive Nations League triumph and extended their overall winning streak to twelve games.