Yamal strikes early again as Spain see off Czechia 3-1

Spain beat Czechia 3-1 in Oviedo on 3 October to maintain their perfect start. Lamine Yamal struck first again. Mikel Merino finished the job late on. The Guardian

Yamal opened the scoring after five minutes and 20 seconds. Spain moved the ball quickly. The finish was calm and early.

It was the third game in a row that he had scored inside six minutes. He had struck after 104 seconds against England at Wembley. He had then scored after 70 seconds against Croatia in Seville.

Spain were 2-0 up at half-time. Rodri got the second goal on 32 minutes. The home side looked in control. Czechia had little answer before the break.

The game changed after the hour. Jiri Slama scored for Czechia in the 69th minute to make it 2-1. Oviedo went quiet. The visitors sensed a chance.

They thought they had taken it in the 80th minute. Ryan Naderi put the ball in the net for what would have been the equaliser, the goal that ties the score. Referee Vassilis Fotias ruled it out for a foul on Robin Le Normand. Spain held on to their lead.

Merino settled it with two minutes left. His goal made it 3-1. There was no way back for Czechia this time.

What makes this stand out is the pattern. Three fast starts in three games is rare for any player, let alone one so young. For fans, this means the opening minutes are now must-watch when Spain play. Something could happen before you have found your seat.