MY ACCOUNT
Spain made it back-to-back wins to go top of Nations League Group A2 as goals from Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia sealed a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Luis Enrique’s side edged past Switzerland on Thursday after opening their campaign with two draws, and they racked up another win at La Rosaleda in Malaga.
Valencia midfielder Soler scored the opening goal shortly after the midway point in the first half – his third strike at international level.
And substitute Sarabia made sure of all three points in the 75th minute as La Roja usurped Portugal, who lost 1-0 in Switzerland, at the top of the group.
Unai Simon denied Vaclav Cerny and Jan Kuchta inside the opening 20 minutes as the visitors started brightly.
Yet Spain went ahead with their first attempt on goal in the 24th minute, Soler drilling past Ales Mandous from eight yards after running onto Marco Asensio’s pull-back.
Soler then clipped wide soon after as Spain fell short of doubling their advantage before the interval.
Simon pushed away a long-range drive from Alex Kral midway through a tepid second half as both sides struggled to build any momentum.
That was until Sarabia followed up his winner against Switzerland with another goal three minutes after being introduced for Asensio, the attacking midfielder nudging home from Ferran Torres’ low cross to wrap up maximum points.
What does it mean? Victory moves Spain to group summit
After a sluggish start to their Nations League campaign, Spain are well and truly up and running now.
A second consecutive win moved them onto eight points, one ahead of Portugal. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, remain in third with four points from their opening four games.
Asensio shines
Asensio’s pass for Soler’s goal means no player has provided more assists for Spain under Luis Enrique’s leadership (seven, level with Jordi Alba). He was Spain’s biggest threat here, playing more key passes (three) than any other player on the pitch.
Morata goes missing
Alvaro Morata endured a game to forget up front for the hosts. The 29-year-old failed to have a single shot or play a key pass before he was hauled off for Torres in the 59th minute.
What’s next?
Both sides complete their Group A2 campaigns in September. Spain are at home to Switzerland before visiting Portugal, while the Czech Republic host Portugal and then travel to Switzerland.
