Spain have become the first national team to go 40 matches unbeaten, and this record is likely to be extended once again when they host the struggling Czech Republic, who have lost four of their last five matches.
With Spain, there’s no question of form – for them, this level of performance is the norm, and any poor result is like an unexpected glitch in the system. La Roja haven’t lost a match in regulation since 2022, when they lost to Switzerland.
Even more impressive is that this defeat to the Red Crosses is their only home loss since 2018. In other words, there is no tougher fixture in international football than a trip to Spain. La Roja haven’t played in Oviedo for over a decade, but that is unlikely to be a factor of any sort.
The Czech Republic were one of the teams in the best form before the World Cup began, but since then it’s all gone downhill.
They were knocked out early on after two defeats and a draw in the group stage, and have now started the UNL with two consecutive defeats. And the hardest part seems to be yet to come, because they haven’t played Spain yet.
How the bookies view it: No reason not to back La Roja
The odds for Spain are minimal yet again; in this particular case, there’s absolutely no point in backing a win, unless you’re planning to bet a huge sum at 1/20.
That’s what the bookmakers are offering on Spain, whilst the Czech Republic are available at a massive 28/1. If you reckon there’s any chance of at least a draw, you can back it at 11/1.
Recent head-to-head: Spain are undefeated in seven
The Czech Republic certainly do not have fond memories of their matches against Spain, given that they have never beaten them.
The two nations have met a total of seven times since 1996, with La Roja recording five wins (D2). Perhaps one slight positive is that the Czech Republic have never suffered a heavy defeat, always losing by no more than a two-goal margin.
One such occasion was four years ago in the same tournament, when Spain won 2–0 at home after the first match in the Czech Republic had ended 2–2.
Players to watch: Lamine Yamal can do no wrong
As I suggested in my preview of the Spain vs Croatia match, there is one player who has been on a completely different level since the start of the season.
Lamine Yamal proved it once again, adding two goals and an assist to his already impressive tally for the season. With these goals, he now has 11 goals and seven assists in 10 matches.
Given the gulf in class here, we can expect more of the same, provided, of course, that he is selected to play, which is in doubt given his busy schedule.
Probable line-ups
Spain: Simon, Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Pubill, Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo, Williams, Yamal, Torres
Czech Republic: Kovar, Slama, Krejci, Hranac, Chaloupek, Sadliek, Cerv, Radosta, Kral, Lingr, Hlozek
Anything else catch the eye?
Before the match against Croatia, I mentioned that I expected a weaker defensive performance because there isn’t the same level of pressure here as there was during the World Cup. The matches aren’t quite so do-or-die, and as we saw, Croatia did manage to score, even though they lost heavily.
However, I don’t think the Czech Republic will manage to score, even if Luis de la Fuente makes a lot of changes for this match. Anything is possible, but right now the visitors simply look as though everything is against them.
So I’m going for a clean sheet for Spain and at least three goals for them, because their home form is unprecedented.
Spain vs Czech Republic Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
- Croatia vs England Prediction and Betting Tips – 2026-10-03
- France vs Italy Prediction and Betting Tips – 2026-10-02
- Ukraine vs Northern Ireland Prediction and Betting Tips – 2026-10-02
- Greece vs Netherlands Prediction and Betting Tips – 2026-10-01
- Germany vs Serbia Prediction and Betting Tips – 2026-10-01
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