LIVE BLOG: Spain vs Czechia | UEFA Nations League
The world champions return to action in Oviedo. Spain look to maintain their perfect start and Group C lead against a Czechia side still searching for their first point, but La Roja will be without Ferran Torres.
Spain is living up to its status as favorite and leading the Czech Republic 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
Goal for Spain
35' Rodri capitalizes on a rebound to make it 2-0 against the Czech Republic.
Goal for Spain
Just six minutes in, Lamine Yamal has already scored a spectacular goal.
The match has kicked off in Oviedo.
Spain faces a Czech team in need of a win.
Lamine Yamal returns to Spain's starting XI
Czechia's lineup to face the world champions
The world champions look to stay perfect
Spain continue their UEFA Nations League campaign against Czechia at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo on Matchday 3 of Group C.
La Roja enter the match top of the group with six points, level with England, after winning their opening two games.
Luis de la Fuente's side defeated Thomas Tuchel's England 3-2 in a thriller before cruising to a 4-1 victory over Croatia, leaving the world champions with a perfect record.
England also have six points after a convincing win over Croatia, meaning Spain will be looking for another victory to continue their battle for top spot.
Spain vs Czechia: two very different starts
While Spain have won their opening two matches, Czechia arrive in Oviedo in the opposite situation.
The Czech side sit bottom of Group C without a point after losing 2-1 to Croatia and then suffering a 2-0 defeat against England.
Spain therefore have an opportunity to extend their impressive start, while Czechia desperately need a response to pick up their first points of the competition.
Spain lose in-form Ferran Torres
Luis de la Fuente will be without an important attacking option, with Ferran Torres withdrawing from the squad due to persistent discomfort in his left ankle.
The setback comes while Ferran is enjoying an outstanding run with PSG, having scored seven goals in six matches while also earning a nomination for September's Player of the Month award.
Although the ankle issue had not prevented him from training or playing, Spain decided to release the forward to prioritize his recovery.
Ferran will return to PSG for medical tests to determine the extent of the injury. The Parisian club return to Ligue 1 action against Le Mans on October 10.
De la Fuente has called up 21-year-old Real Madrid forward Carlos Espí as his replacement after he scored five goals in Spain U21's 13-0 victory over San Marino.
What to know before Spain vs Czechia
- Spain lead Group C with six points, level with England, after victories over England and Croatia.
- Czechia sit bottom without a point following defeats to Croatia and England.
- Ferran Torres is out with a left ankle issue and will return to PSG for medical tests.
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