Spain beat ten-man Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague on Thursday to keep their perfect Nations League record intact. Alex Baena scored from the spot on 39 minutes after a VAR check showed Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros had handled the ball inside the box, and Marc Pubill added a low shot deep into stoppage time. The win leaves Spain unbeaten in 44 competitive games in a row, including five wins from five Nations League matches this season.

Czech captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off in the 69th minute for bringing down substitute Roberto Fernandez on a counter-attack, a repeat of his red card at the end of Spain's 3-1 home win over the Czechs last month. Spain had struggled to break the hosts down early, with Fabian Ruiz hitting the post three minutes before halftime and Dean Huijsen's header well held by goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Yeremy Pino's goal was ruled out for offside just two minutes into the second half, while Adam Hlozek hit the crossbar for the Czechs.S1

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was without Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Eric Garcia through injury, and Mikel Oyarzabal missed the game with flu. Spain had already secured a quarter-final place before travelling to Prague. They face England in Madrid on Sunday in their final Group A3 game, and a draw there would be enough for them to finish top of the group. The Czechs, who have lost all their Nations League games this season, next travel to Croatia needing a win to stay in the top tier.S1S2

Elsewhere on Thursday, Belgium came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in Izmir, with Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scoring three minutes apart after Arda Guler had put the hosts ahead in the 20th minute. Albania beat Finland 2-0 in Tirana, with Ernest Muci opening the scoring in the 35th minute and Olsi Manj doubling the lead five minutes after the restart. England beat Croatia 2-1 and Italy beat France 3-1 in League A, while Belgium now prepare for their final group fixture against Italy on Sunday.S2