Spain beat Czech Republic to retain perfect Nations League record

Alex Baena scored from the spot and Marc Pubill added another seconds from time as Spain beat ten-men Czech Republic 2-0 in the Nations League in Prague on Thursday.

The win leaves Spain unbeaten in 44 competitive games in a row, including five wins in as many Nations League games this season.

Spain, who already secured a quarter-final berth before travelling to Prague, will face England in Madrid on Sunday in their final Group A3 game.

Baena scored on 39 minutes after a VAR check revealed Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros had handled the ball inside the box.

The Atletico Madrid winger blasted his spot kick past Matej Kovar who touched the ball but failed to clear it.

Czech captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 69th minute after bringing down second-half substitute Roberto Fernandez on a counter-attack.

It was a deja-vu for the Wolverhampton defender who also got a red card at the end of Spain's 3-1 home win over the Czechs last month.

Pubill, another substitute, beat Eindhoven goalkeeper Kovar with a clinical low shot deep into stoppage time after robbing Tomas Soucek.

"I want to appreciate the work of the entire team," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

"It was a difficult game against an energetic team with an aggressive style. We had moments when it cost us a lot of energy to control the game."

De la Fuentes missed Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia with injuries while Mikel Oyarzabal was sidelined with flu.

Spain got off to a slow start on the chilly evening but never really let the hosts get close throughout the first half.

They gradually stepped up their pressure, often confining the Czechs to their box and looking for chances.