Czechia 0-2 Spain Player Ratings: Krejci 5.5/10 Red Card as La Roja Cruise Without Yamal

Spain made seven changes, played without the injured Lamine Yamal, and still won in Prague. Alex Baena’s 39th-minute penalty settled a game in which Czechia had no shot on target through 81 minutes. Marc Pubill added a second in stoppage time after Czechia failed to play out from the back, extending the world champions’ run to 12 straight wins in all competitions.

Alex Baena tops the player ratings at 8.7/10 as man of the match, slotting a spot-kick worth 0.79 xG after VAR ruled that Lukas Ambros had controlled a dropping ball with his arm. Pau Cubarsi hit the bar, Fabian Ruiz hit the post, and a Yeremy Pino goal was ruled out for offside.

The match ratings are hardest on Ladislav Krejci, whose 5.5/10 makes him the worst player on the pitch after the Czech captain was sent off in the 72nd minute for a last-man challenge on Roberto Fernandez. It was his second red card against Spain in this group. Czechia, already eliminated and with no points in Group A3, now risk relegation to League B. Check out the Czechia vs Spain player ratings.

Spain Player Ratings vs Czech Republic

Here are the Spain national football team player ratings from the Czechia vs Spain player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Unai Simón - 7: We noticed Simón’s calm body language even when Czech crosses kept flying in. He only had a couple of proper saves to make but handled them cleanly. His distribution was mostly safe, with a few long balls wasted under pressure. Ten ball recoveries showed how switched on he stayed behind the defence. From our perspective, he gave Spain quiet reassurance rather than highlight saves.

Defenders

Dean Huijsen - 7.5: Early on Huijsen actually looked like a threat in the Czech box with that saved header. Defensively he had shaky aerial moments, yet grew stronger as the game became chaotic. We noticed his anticipation in clearances and interceptions during the late corners surge. On the ball he was composed, completing 82 of 87 passes and hitting seven long balls. From our perspective, he mixed youthful risk with impressive resilience.

Pau Cubarsí - 8: For us, Cubarsí was right there among Spain’s best on the night. That header off the bar felt like a turning point; his timing was almost perfect. Defensively he won most of his duels and all his aerials, which mattered against constant crosses. His passing was crisp, 80 accurate from 85, rarely panicking under pressure. We noticed how often he stepped in front of attackers, reading danger early. In our opinion, he was a quiet leader in the back line.

Pedro Porro - 6.5: Porro had one of those mixed nights that frustrate and fascinate at the same time. He picked up an early yellow, then kept flying into duels on the edge. We noticed some reckless fouls but also brave overlapping runs and one key pass. His three successful dribbles gave Spain width, yet his decision-making was inconsistent. Defensively he battled, with tackles and clearances, though lost half of his duels. From our perspective, he was energetic but slightly wild.

Marc Cucurella - 7: Cucurella’s performance felt understated yet vital down the left. He got forward often, creating a big chance and swinging a couple of dangerous crosses. That early shot he ballooned over summed up his slightly rushed finishing. Defensively we noticed disciplined positioning, with two clearances and an interception at key moments. His passing was neat, 49 of 54, constantly recycling play and calming tempo. From our perspective, he balanced aggression and control nicely.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi - 7: Zubimendi quietly dictated a lot from deep, especially before Czech chaos set in. We saw his early free kick win set the tone for controlled possession. With 60 accurate passes from 65, he kept Spain’s structure intact. Defensively he chipped in with clearances, a tackle and steady positioning between centre-backs. What stood out to us was how rarely he seemed rushed on the ball. He wasn’t spectacular, but he was very important for Spain’s rhythm.

Fabián Ruiz - 7.5: Fabián’s curling effort off the post felt like the moment Spain almost sealed it. His forward runs from midfield added a different dynamic, breaking Czech lines repeatedly. We noticed his passing quality, 50 accurate from 56, plus several smart long balls. He also hit woodwork and kept popping up in pockets between the lines. From our perspective, he blended control with attacking threat better than most Spanish midfielders. His substitution slightly reduced Spain’s creative spark.

Yéremy Pino - 6.5: Pino’s disallowed goal after VAR summed up his frustrating evening. He worked hard defensively with two tackles and some helpful pressing. However, he lost the ball often and won barely a third of his duels. We noticed good movement off the ball but not enough end product. One shot on target and a key pass showed glimpses, yet not consistency. From our perspective, he was lively but lacked sharp final decisions.

Fermín López - 7.5: Fermín caught our eye with his energy and willingness to take responsibility. He attempted three dribbles, completed them all, and kept driving at defenders. Two key passes and blocked shots showed how often he tried to influence attacks. At times he lost possession cheaply, but his intent was always positive. We also noticed a couple of fouls and that late blocked shot after Huijsen’s pass. From our perspective, he played with courage and deserved his strong rating.

Álex Baena - 8.5: For us, Baena was clearly the highest-rated player and the game-changer. His penalty conversion into the bottom corner showed huge composure in a tense moment. Beyond the goal, he created big chances, delivered eight crosses, and kept asking for the ball. We noticed his confidence soar after scoring; he began shooting from outside the box more freely. Defensively he worked hard too, with three ball recoveries and constant tracking. From our perspective, he was Spain’s man of the match, combining technique and bravery.

Forwards

Ferran Torres - 6.5: Torres had chances and really should have scored at least once. He missed multiple shots from central positions, including one after Porro’s cutback. We saw his body language grow slightly frustrated as Czech defenders crowded him. Despite that, he still worked off the ball and pressed centre-backs intelligently. His passing was tidy but low-volume, just 17 accurate from 20 attempts. From our perspective, he was dangerous yet wasteful, which drags his rating down.

Substitutes

Mikel Merino - 6.5: Merino came on and instantly got involved in the physical battles. We noticed his yellow card and late fouls as he tried to break up play. On the ball he kept things simple, focusing on protecting Spain’s narrow lead. His passing and positioning were fine, not outstanding but serviceable. From our perspective, he added grit more than finesse.

Roberto Fernández - 6.5: Fernández replaced Torres and offered fresh running up front. He won a useful free kick in the attacking half shortly after coming on. We saw him stretching the Czech defence, even if he lacked clear chances. With limited touches, his impact was mostly about pressing and movement. From our perspective, he did his job without shining.

Pedri - 6.5: Pedri’s cameo felt like controlled management rather than fireworks. He dropped into spaces, recycling possession and calming the tempo. We noticed quick touches and safe passes under pressure with ten men around. However, he didn’t really produce a decisive chance or shot. From our perspective, it was a professional but low-key outing.

Marc Pubill - 6.5: Pubill came in to replace Porro and mainly focused on defensive security. We noticed him pressing wide areas and blocking crossing lanes. His on-ball involvement was limited, yet he avoided major mistakes. From our perspective, he did the quiet defensive work Spain needed late on.

Jorge de Frutos - 6.5: De Frutos arrived late and tried to offer outlets on the flank. He pressed Czech defenders and held the ball when Spain needed breathers. We noticed his willingness to track back, especially as crosses kept coming. From our perspective, his impact was small but positive in game management.

Manager

L. De la Fuente Castillo - 7.5: From our perspective, De la Fuente managed a tricky away match quite well. His decision to trust young defenders like Cubarsí and Huijsen paid off. The timing of his substitutions helped Spain absorb pressure after the red card. We noticed Spain’s structure staying intact even when Czech Republic bombarded the box. Some might argue he could have pushed harder for a second goal. Still, in our view, a controlled 1-0 Nations League win away is strong work.

Czechia Player Ratings vs Spain

Have a look at the Czechia national football team player ratings from the Czechia vs Spain player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Matej Kovar - 6.5: Kovar conceded only from the penalty spot and had no chance on Baena’s strike. We noticed two decent saves, including one from Baena’s long-range effort. His long balls were a major part of Czech’s approach, though accuracy was mixed. At times his distribution invited pressure, losing possession ten times. From our perspective, he battled well but couldn’t change the result.

Defenders

Vladimír Coufal - 7.5: Coufal was Czech Republic’s constant outlet and one of their best performers. His crosses created multiple big headed chances for Krejci and Hlozek. We noticed his relentless running; he never looked like slowing down. Defensively he added five interceptions and three clearances, reading Spanish moves smartly. From our perspective, he was the heart of Czech’s comeback push down the right.

David Zima - 7: Zima mixed brave defending with real threat at set pieces. He missed a huge header early and another shot over the bar later. Still, he won all his duels and aerials, which impressed us in a tight game. On the ball he was tidy, 34 accurate passes out of 36 attempts. From our perspective, he was solid overall, just lacking that clinical finishing touch.

Ladislav Krejci - 5.5: Krejci’s night swung violently from influential to disastrous. He attacked every set piece, generating several headers and even creating chances. We noticed his leadership and aggression, winning aerials and duels earlier on. But the error leading to a shot and then the upgraded red card changed everything. Going down to ten men at 1-0 hurt Czech Republic badly. From our perspective, his dismissal makes him arguably the worst performer despite some good moments.

Ryan Naderi - 6: Naderi battled physically up top but struggled to impose himself fully. He committed fouls and lost more duels than he won, which slowed attacks. We noticed one off-target shot and very few meaningful touches in dangerous zones. His passing accuracy dropped to 50%, reflecting rushed decisions under pressure. From our perspective, he worked hard but lacked quality in key moments.

Midfielders

Adam Hlozek - 7: Hlozek’s header onto the bar felt like the moment Czech should have equalised. Throughout, he fought for aerial balls and created flick-ons for teammates. We noticed his confidence growing after that woodwork hit, even with some missed shots. He won most of his aerial duels and contributed defensively with interceptions. From our perspective, he was one of their brighter attacking sparks.

Lukas Cerv - 6.5: Cerv did lots of unseen dirty work in midfield. Five ball recoveries and blocked shots showed his defensive commitment. He had a couple of efforts blocked inside the box, hinting at attacking intent. We noticed that he kept trying to drive Czech forward even under pressure. From our perspective, he played solidly, though lacked the final decisive action.

Lukáš Ambros - 6: Ambros’ handball for the penalty was the game’s crucial negative moment for Czechia. Before that he delivered a dangerous cross for Zima’s early header and worked hard. We noticed his fouls and struggles in duels; he won only one of seven. His passing was reasonable, but he gave away that huge spot-kick. From our perspective, the penalty concession overshadows his positives and drags his rating down.

David Jurásek - 6.5: Jurásek offered drive from the left, both offensively and defensively. He pushed high, hitting crosses and helping Czech sustain pressure after the break. We noticed him caught offside once, showing his eagerness to push the line. Defensively, his three recoveries and two interceptions helped manage Spain’s wide threats. From our perspective, he contributed consistently without truly standing out.

Lukas Provod - 6: Provod had flashes of influence but never fully settled into the game. He earned free kicks and tried a couple of shots from distance. However, he lost many duels and turned the ball over too often. We noticed his body language grow frustrated as Spain controlled midfield zones. From our perspective, he offered effort but little sustained impact.

Alex Král - 6: Král’s outing was defined by hard work and a costly mistake. He committed an error leading to a shot and seemed rattled afterward. Still, he recovered four balls and made clearances, trying to stabilise midfield. We noticed some decent long passes, though overall accuracy stayed under 80%. From our perspective, he battled but never completely convinced.

Forwards

Idris Hopi - 6.5: Hopi came on and immediately took on responsibility in advanced areas. His big chance was the shot he skied from the center after a set piece. We noticed aggressive runs and willingness to shoot under pressure. However, his finishing lacked composure in those decisive moments. From our perspective, he injected energy but not the equalising goal Czech needed.

Substitutes

Martin Subert - 6.5: Subert replaced Provod and helped maintain intensity on the flank. We saw him chase lost causes and support Coufal in wide overloads. His end product wasn’t spectacular, but he kept Spain pinned back occasionally. From our perspective, he contributed decent work off the bench.

Tomás Vlcek - 6.5: Vlcek came in after Ambros’ difficult evening and tried to steady things. We noticed better defensive discipline from his side afterward. He helped defend corners and second balls around the box. From our perspective, his conservative play suited a team chasing without collapsing.

Christophe Kabongo - 6.5: Kabongo arrived late and had limited time to truly change events. He made runs in behind and tried to attack crosses. We noticed his movement but not a clear-cut chance falling his way. From our perspective, he was active but ultimately peripheral.

Tomás Soucek - 6.5: Soucek’s late introduction added height and physical presence in midfield. He helped contest aerial balls and loose clearances as Czech chased. We noticed him drifting into the box for late crosses too. From our perspective, he offered typical grit but lacked enough minutes for bigger impact.

Manager

S. Denia Sánchez - 6.5: Denia’s plan clearly leaned on set pieces and relentless crossing. At times it nearly worked, especially as Coufal kept delivering quality balls. We noticed his substitutions trying to refresh wide areas and add physicality. However, managing the Krejci situation and the resulting red card was problematic. From our perspective, Czech Republic’s effort was strong but their tactical mix stayed one-dimensional.

Czechia vs Spain Man of the Match: Alex Baena (8.7/10)

Alex Baena earned Man of the Match with an 8.7 rating. He stepped up after the VAR penalty and slotted calmly past Kovar into the left corner on 39 minutes. It was his second Nations League goal this season and Spain’s fifth penalty in a row converted in the competition. He also delivered the early corners and a trivela cross that Lukas Cerv had to head away on 82.

Worst Player in Czechia vs Spain: Ladislav Krejci (5.5/10)

Czechia captain Ladislav Krejci was the lowest-rated player on the pitch at 5.5/10. His simple pass out from the box was intercepted by Cucurella on 19 minutes, and on 71 he grabbed Roberto Fernandez as the substitute broke through. After a VAR check, the referee sent him off on 72, a decision 79% of fans backed in the match poll. He had troubled Spain in the air before that, flicking on a long throw for Zima’s chance on 51.