Spain took a big step in the Nations League. victory over the Czech Republic in Malaga, With Portugal’s defeat in Switzerland, Luis Enrique’s men group leaders, Two games remain to decide which team will play the final four of the tournament.

Although Spain did not shine against the Czech Republic, they settled the match with the help of the extraordinary atmosphere experienced at La Rosaleda. Malaga returned to the selection, and the team did not fail. Spain got tired in the last match of the track, but With goals from Carlos Soler and Sarabia -and Gavi’s interruption in the second episode- got three gold points. Ansu once again ran out of minutes.

The selection started out intense, without ideas or creativity, victims of end-of-season fatigue. Players wanted the ball from their feet. There were no breaks, gaps or overflows, a situation that the Czech Republic benefits from. advance lines and press the following very high Luis Enrique.

With Rodri as centre, with Carlos Soler and Koke in midfield, Spain lacked the imagination to cross the lines and connect with the forwards. The Czechs were grateful, led by Soucek and, above all, Kuchta, who put Spain in a difficult position. Cerny gave First warning with a good shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 17th minute. Unai SimonCleared very carefully, with solvency.

Nerves seemed to be taking over Spain, especially players like Marcos Alonso, who was very obscure. Unai Simón once again saved Spain one-on-one with Kuchta reviving the Spanish defense.

best possible response

The reaction came at best, in the form of a goal: in the 23rd minute, Koke perfectly read Asensio’s right flank sign. Majorca, very effective, controlled, raised his head and helped Soler, who was clearly out. This was the first goal for Spain.

The goal greatly relieved La Roja, who entered the game fully as they saw themselves ahead on the scoreboard. Asensio took on the role of leading the offense (again standing alone against the Czech goalkeeper, he pushed from the edge of the field and claimed a penalty), Carlos Soler stepped forward and the rest of the team joined in.

The Czechs took a step back when they realized that the game was starting to follow the planned scenario: una Spain is more dominant and more ambitious, with longer sides (more Alonso karvajal), bold interiors and restless facades. The team began to be recognized only after Soler’s goal.

As Morata fought the Czech center defenders by more than luck, Olmo and Soler tried to open the space: Madridista was more successful as they had an excellent opportunity to start earning lanes for the team ahead of the World Cup.

After the break, Spain also had a hard time keeping the pulse of the match. The wings were very uneven and the team was struggling to press as usual. Pesek defeated Carvajal and his Vaseline attempt against Unai Simón was about to be a draw.

Ferran and Gavi on stage

Luis Enrique freshened up the team with the involvement of Ferran Torres and Gavi: the midfielder helped lift the team that was threatening to go down. Gavi gave the team another gear, put the pressure on and moved even closer to the opponent’s territory.

asensio he was replaced by Sarabia and started playing fake nines with Spain Olmo, flanked by Ferran and Sarabia on the flanks.

Between the three of them and with the help of Gavi at the start, they scored the second goal in the 7th minute.5: Olmo led the counterattack, opened the ball for Ferran and placed it in front of the goal for Barça player Sarabia’s shot, maintains its excellent relationship with the target.

Spain closed the field with a win that the fans, who experienced the match like a party, were delighted with. The day was unbeatable because Portugal’s defeat leaves Spain in a very favorable position to repeat their presence in the last four of the Nations.