Spain under Luis Enrique has become a team that looks predictable on offense and unsettled on defense. A squad that moves with comfortable confidence, yet often carries an almost abrupt calm that makes its plans easy to read. The Nations League clash against the Czech Republic exposed the gaps: a defense that concedes a goal too easily and a midfield that can push the tempo only in spots. The team frequently moves the ball sideways rather than pushing forward with purpose, and there is a sense that the system favors control over risk. The longer runs and direct passes that used to define this style have faded, and the balance between passing rhythm and attacking intent has slipped.
When Morata was questioned about his role, Enrique, known for his provocative candor, reminded everyone that the squad is built around a core of ten players who will contribute. For two games, the Madrid striker sat on the bench, and today the coach can describe Spain as a group that includes a standout youngster and a mix of seasoned contributors. Gavi has emerged as the brightest spark, delivering energy on both ends of the pitch. He not only tracks back with intensity but also seeks the ball in the attack, and when the moments turn tight, he drops deeper to influence the play and finds moments to score. This is the player who generates genuine excitement and conveys ambition to the team.
Uphill from the top
The author views Luis Enrique’s Spain as facing a real bottleneck: a squad that often settles for mediocrity in midfield and forwards. There is a recurring pattern late in the season where the next opponent appears to offer a glide path, only for the match to reveal a different story. In Prague, a Czech player found space just outside the defensive line, lifted his head, and delivered a precise pass that split the Spanish midfield. The ball found a teammate who moved forward with intent, allowing a run to be made and a shot produced. The goal underscored a larger problem: Spain has grown accustomed to controlled possession but has struggled to apply sustained pressure or create meaningful chances against compact defenses. Luis Enrique has publicly framed his team as smart and capable with the ball, and that claim rings true to a point, yet this Spain is not delivering the spark that keeps opponents honest. It is a side that can be competitive, but in practice it often looks balanced without delivering decisive moments of danger. The draw in Prague was a reminder of the risk of complacency and the cost of a cautious approach that lacks aggression in both attack and defense.
⚽ Spain goal!! Gavi shines! ⚽
How beautiful!
⏰ 45′ + 4
Czech Republic 1-1 Spain
We are watching La1 and here: no external links.
— Telesport commentary
Unsurprisingly, the Czech Republic responded quickly to pull a point back. A goal by Psek kept this group tight, and the match drifted toward a cautious finish. The Spanish defense showed signs of strain as the game wore on, struggling to control quick exchanges and maintain organization under pressure. The coach spoke afterward of players who keep the ball moving with precision, yet the execution in the middle of the field failed to translate into clear chances. The defense appeared vulnerable at times, and the midfield looked hesitant to commit numbers forward. The end result left Spain with two points from the group stage, trailing Portugal and the Czech Republic, with a long road ahead to advance. The plan now shifts toward regrouping and finding a sharper edge for the next encounter, as the tournament narrative moves toward its decisive chapters.
paper defense
In the second half, a long-range pass cut through the defense and left a lone striker facing the goalkeeper, but a mistake in the final touch spoiled the moment. A few rapid movements from Koke and Rodri helped steady the ship, while Raúl de Tomás offered a reference point up front. As the minutes ticked by, Enrique introduced Ferran, Morata, Asensio and Busquets, trying to inject life and different approaches into the attack. A rash moment from the defense set up a direct chance for the opponents, and the defense was found wanting again. The Czech side kept pressing, and Kuchta remained a constant threat, though he did not convert this particular opportunity. Spain managed to edge in front late on thanks to a set-piece header by Íñigo Martínez, only to concede again in the dying moments. The result left the team mired near the bottom of the table, with a difficult path ahead in the group stage. The aftermath called for a collective reset and a renewed focus on balance between pressing, organization, and forward intent as the campaign continued.
data sheet
Czech Republic: Valik, Zima, Brabec, Mateju, Coufal, Sadilek, Soucek, Zeleny, Pesek, Kuchta, Search. Coach: Silhavy. Substitutions: Jankto, Zeleny, Havel, Psek, Cerny, Lingr.
Spain: Unai Simon, Carvajal, Eric Garcia, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso, Gavi, Rodri, Koke, Sarabia, RDT, Dani Olmo. Coach: Luis Enrique. Changes: Ferran for Sarabia, Morata for RDT, Busquets for Rodri, Asensio for Dani Olmo, Marcos Llorente for Koke.
Goals: Psek, Kuchta, and a late equalizer by Íñigo Martínez.
Refs: François Letexier. Yellow cards: Rodri. Stadium: Sinobo Stadium in Prague, with a crowd of about 18,000.