Spain extended their unbeaten run in competitive international football to 44 matches with a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague on Thursday, November 12, keeping their perfect record in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League and strengthening their position at the top of Group A3. Álex Baena scored from the penalty spot in the first half before Marc Pubill sealed the win with a stoppage-time finish.
The result gave Luis de la Fuente’s side 15 points from five matches and confirmed their place in the quarter-finals. Spain now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with England in Madrid, where the two teams will compete for top spot in the group.
Baena Breaks The Deadlock From The Penalty Spot
Spain controlled possession for long periods at Prague’s Letná Stadium but found it difficult to break down a well-organised Czech defence. The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute after a VAR review identified a handball by Czech midfielder Lukáš Ambros inside the penalty area. Baena stepped forward and converted the spot-kick, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The goal rewarded Spain’s patience after a first half in which the team had dominated the ball but struggled to create clear openings. Czechia defended with discipline and used set-pieces and direct attacks to threaten the visitors, particularly when Spain lost possession in midfield.
Spain continued to create opportunities after the interval. Fabián Ruiz struck the post, while Yéremy Pino briefly appeared to have doubled the lead before the goal was ruled out for offside. The hosts remained competitive, but their task became harder when captain Ladislav Krejčí was sent off in the 69th minute for a challenge on substitute Roberto Fernández.
Pubill Seals Victory In Stoppage Time
Spain made their numerical advantage count in the 96th minute. Pubill won the ball high up the pitch, drove into the penalty area and finished to make it 2-0. The late goal ended Czechia’s hopes of a comeback and confirmed Spain’s fifth consecutive victory in the Nations League group.
De la Fuente praised his team’s composure and control, while acknowledging that Czechia had made the match difficult through its intensity and set-piece threat. The coach also said the squad had shown the patience required to manage a demanding away fixture in difficult weather conditions.
Spain’s 44-Match Run Moves Beyond Brazil’s Previous Mark
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 44, surpassing the previous 42-game sequence recorded by Brazil between 1993 and 1996. The streak has been built across major tournaments and qualifying competitions and reflects the consistency of a squad that has combined technical quality with depth in several positions.
Spain’s run has continued through changes in personnel and the absence of key players. The team entered the Prague match without several regular starters, including Rodri, Eric García and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal was unavailable. De la Fuente rotated his line-up but still had enough quality to control the match and secure all three points.
The coach also confirmed that Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal were expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the England fixture. Their return would give Spain additional attacking options for a match that is likely to provide a stronger test than the encounter in Prague.
England Match Will Decide Group A3’s Top Position
Spain have already secured a quarter-final place, but Sunday’s match against England will determine who finishes first in Group A3. The fixture will bring together the two leading sides in the group and offer an early indication of their readiness for the Nations League knockout stage.
England arrive after a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley, a match in which Harry Kane set a new national appearance record. Spain’s challenge will be to maintain their possession-based approach while dealing with England’s pace and physicality. The result could also shape the quarter-final draw and the route each side takes through the competition.
HeadlinesXtra Analysis
Spain’s 44-match unbeaten run is a remarkable achievement, but the most important feature of the Prague win was the team’s ability to manage a difficult match without losing its identity. The side controlled possession, remained patient when chances were limited and took advantage of the extra space created after the Czech dismissal.
The result also shows why squad depth matters. De la Fuente made several changes and still received decisive contributions from Baena and Pubill. That flexibility will be valuable in the quarter-finals, where injuries, suspensions and tactical adjustments can quickly change the shape of a campaign.
The England match is now the more revealing test. Spain’s streak will attract attention, but records alone do not guarantee trophies. The team must continue to convert control into goals against stronger opponents and remain defensively disciplined when pressured. A strong performance in Madrid would reinforce Spain’s status as one of the favourites for the Nations League title; a poor one would expose areas that need attention before the knockout stage.
Sources And Further Reading
- Royal Spanish Football Federation: Spain Extend Their Winning Run In Prague — official match report and coach comments, November 12, 2026.
- Royal Spanish Football Federation: Czechia 0-2 Spain — official score, line-ups, goals and match details.
- Agence France-Presse: Spain Beat Czech Republic To Retain Perfect Nations League Record — independent match report and unbeaten-run context.
- AS USA: Spain Extends Unbeaten Streak To 44 Games With Czech Republic Win — match analysis and preview of the England fixture.
- Le Figaro With AFP: Spain Extends Its Unbeaten Run In Czechia — additional reporting on the result and group position.
- The Guardian: Nations League Round-Up — Spain Beat Czechia — broader matchday context.