Czechia 0-2 Spain
UEFA Nations League, League A, Group 3 – Round 5
Thursday 12 November 2026 | Letná Stadium (epet Arena), Prague
Referee: Nikola Dabanović | Attendance: 18,193
Spain extended their flawless start in Group A3 with a controlled 2-0 victory over Czechia on a freezing Prague night, remaining on maximum points and setting up a decisive top-of-the-table clash against England in Madrid on Sunday. Álex Baena’s first-half penalty and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Marc Pubill proved enough for Luis de la Fuente’s world champions, who stretched their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 44 games.
First half
Conditions were tough — temperatures around four degrees, light drizzle and high humidity — but Spain dictated proceedings from the outset. Marc Cucurella went close early with an effort from the edge of the box, while Pau Cubarsí headed against the crossbar from a corner. Czechia stayed compact and frustrated their visitors for long periods, limiting clear chances despite Spain’s territorial dominance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. Lukáš Ambros handled a high ball inside the penalty area; after a VAR check, referee Nikola Dabanović awarded the spot-kick. Baena calmly converted, sending Matěj Kovář the wrong way to make it 0-1. Fabián Ruiz then struck the post late in the half as Spain pressed for a second, but the hosts held on to reach the interval trailing by a single goal.
Second half
Spain continued to control possession and territory after the break. Yeremy Pino thought he had doubled the lead early in the half, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Czechia briefly threatened on the counter, with Adam Hložek hitting the crossbar, but the hosts’ resistance was undermined when captain Ladislav Krejčí was shown a red card around the 70-minute mark. Initially booked, the decision was upgraded by VAR after he was judged to have committed a professional foul on substitute Roberto Fernández as the last defender.
Down to ten men, Czechia were forced deeper. Spain introduced Pedri, Mikel Merino and others to maintain control, and although Kovář made important saves, the second goal finally arrived in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Pubill, who had replaced Pedro Porro, won the ball on the edge of the area and finished clinically into the bottom corner to seal the result.
Full-time: Czechia 0-2 Spain.
Key points
Spain dominated the numbers (roughly 70% possession and significantly more shots) and looked every bit the side that has swept all before them in the group. Czechia, already without a point from their previous matches, showed organisation and spirit but were punished by individual errors and the numerical disadvantage. The result leaves Spain on 15 points from five games. England’s simultaneous 2-1 win over Croatia means the group winners will be decided when the two sides meet at the Metropolitano on Sunday.
Match Report by Dr. Talal Osman
Manager, GCC Sport
