Yamal Scores in Third Straight Game as Spain Beats Czechia 3-1

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Spain secured a 3-1 victory over Czechia in the UEFA Nations League.

Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 on Saturday in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture, moving three points clear of England at the top of the standings. Nineteen-year-old winger Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 6th minute, cutting inside on his left foot to strike the ball into the top corner. Barcelona teammate Rodri added a second goal before halftime, allowing Spain to enter the break with a 2-0 lead.

Czechia responded in the second half through a goal from Jiri Sláma following a David Raya error. The visitors also saw a Ryan Naderi goal ruled out for offside and Ladislav Krejcí sent off before Mikel Merino secured the win for Spain with a late strike. Coach Luis de la Fuente removed Yamal at halftime, citing the need to protect players during a stretch of four matches in 10 days.

Yamal has now scored four goals in three games during the current international break, marking the first time he has netted in three consecutive appearances for the national team. His 12 goals and 19 total goal contributions for club and country since August 31 are the highest among players in Europe's top five leagues during that period. The teenager previously scored in the second minute of matches against both England and Croatia earlier in the week.

Following the victory, De la Fuente stated that Yamal is on the path to becoming a legend and described him as one of the best players in the world ahead of this month's Ballon d'Or ceremony. Spain will conclude the current international window with a trip to Croatia on Tuesday.