Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored an 89th-minute goal to secure Spain’s 3-1 victory over Czechia on Saturday, with David Raya and Martin Zubimendi also involved.
The substitute struck in Oviedo after the visitors had threatened to undo Spain’s comfortable first-half lead.
It ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side maintained their perfect start to the Nations League campaign with three victories from three matches.
Mikel Merino settles Spain’s nerves
Lamine Yamal and Rodri put Spain two goals ahead before Jiri Slama reduced the deficit in the second half.
Merino eventually restored the two-goal cushion, reacting after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky kept out Victor Munoz’s effort.
Spain’s official match report confirms that the Arsenal midfielder converted the rebound, while broadcaster RTVE’s goal coverage records his strike in the 89th minute.
Raya starts as Zubimendi returns to the bench
Raya started in goal, while Merino and Zubimendi both entered during the second half.
Zubimendi’s substitute appearance followed his start against Croatia and his recent comments about competing with Rodri for Spain’s holding-midfield position.
Spain finish this international window against Croatia in Split on Tuesday, October 6.
The Arsenal trio therefore have one more national-team fixture before attention turns to the Gunners’ October schedule, beginning with Leeds United’s visit on October 10.
For Merino, Saturday provided another opportunity to influence a match from the bench, with his penalty-area positioning delivering Spain’s decisive late contribution.
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