The Czechia national team lost 3-1 to Spain in the UEFA Nations League. The match at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo saw the Czechs fight back to equalise but ultimately concede twice late on, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group A3.
Spain took an early lead through Lamine Yamal in the sixth minute. The Czech side showed resilience and drew level in the 69th minute thanks to Jiri Slama, assisted by Adam Hlozek. However, hope was short-lived. Czech defender Ladislav Krejci was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Roberto Fernandez. Playing with ten men, Santi Denia's team conceded again in the 89th minute to Mikel Merino, sealing the result.
"They are well-drilled; I thought it would be one of the hardest games, and that’s how it was," said Spanish midfielder Rodri after the match, who had scored his team's second goal in the 35th minute. Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente praised young scorer Yamal, who was returning to the national team after the World Cup. "I'm very happy. I was eager to return to the national team after the World Cup, and there’s no better way than this," Yamal said.
For Czechia, this marks a fourth consecutive defeat, with just one draw in their last five matches overall. This poor run of form is clearly reflected in the team's overall stats, which highlight issues at both ends of the pitch.
The team must now regroup quickly. Another tough task awaits on Tuesday, October 6th, with a Nations League return fixture away to England. Czechia lost 0-2 to England at home just a week ago.
First reported at Khel Now
Manager Santi Denia confirmed the lineup for Wednesday's match against Spain. Midfielder Michal Sadílek returned to the starting eleven after injury, who the manager said "can give the team stability". Denia also announced that Pavel Šulc is available after his red card in the previous match against England. The Czech team, which has a record of 0 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in its last five games, will try to break its poor form.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that forward Ferran Torres will not be available for tonight's match against Czechia. Manager Luis de la Fuente decided to release the player due to ongoing pain in his left ankle. "Both medical teams are actively monitoring his status," the federation stated. Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final, is returning to PSG for examination. The Czech team, with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses from its last five games, will face Spain without this key opponent.
Striker Ryan Naderi described his international debut following Saturday's 3-1 loss to Spain. "What's been happening in the last few days is a bit of a fairy tale," Naderi told local media. His equalising goal was disallowed for a foul on the edge of the box. The team, with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses from its last five games, now prepares for Tuesday's match against England.
