Spanish fireworks leave Prague in the dust

Spain turned a routine Nations League night into a showcase of swagger, firing three times in 71 minutes while the Czech side could barely string together a single reply. The hosts arrived as group‑leaders, Czechia perched near the bottom, and the result simply cemented the hierarchy.

A quick‑fire opening spell saw Dani Olmo uncork a low drive from the edge of the box that curled past Jakub Kopecký. The Czech keeper was left to stare at the net while Olmo’s rating jumped to an 8.5. Spain’s midfield engine, Pedri, slipped in a clever one‑two with Gavi before threading a perfect through‑ball to Ferran Torres, who tucked it home to make it 2‑0. Pedri’s 8.5 and Gavi’s solid 8.0 reflected a partnership that looked as comfortable as a pair of well‑worn boots.

Czechia’s lone spark came from Jan Kuchta, who rattled a header past Unai Simón after a corner. The strike was a reminder that the Czech side can still produce moments, but a rating of 6.0 captures the overall disappointment. Their defence, a rag‑tag assembly that seemed to forget the concept of a line, never looked like they could contain Spain’s fluidity.

The third Spanish goal arrived in the 71st minute, a clinical finish from Álvaro Morata after a clever flick from Pedri. Morata’s 7.5 rating underlines his timely contribution, even if he didn’t dominate the game. The Czech response was a half‑hearted scramble that produced nothing more than a missed chance and a collective sigh.

What does this mean for the table? Spain’s three points stretch their lead at the summit, putting them on a comfortable cushion heading into the final round. Czechia, still stuck in the relegation zone, now face a mountain of points to claw back, with their next fixtures looking more like a survival exercise than a chance to climb.

Both sides will take away lessons: Spain, a reminder that when their creative core clicks, they become a moving target; Czechia, a harsh audit of a defence that needs rebuilding and a midfield that must find a voice beyond occasional flashes.

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Player Ratings

• Dani Olmo (ESP) – 8.5
• Pedri (ESP) – 8.5
• Gavi (ESP) – 8.0
• Ferran Torres (ESP) – 7.5
• Álvaro Morata (ESP) – 7.5
• Jan Kuchta (CZE) – 6.0