Kids no longer read newspapers, but they will not be in London on 26 October either. Lamine Yamal, defiant before the press in his recent comments regarding a certain individual crown, proved even more formidable on the pitch. On Saturday night, he produced a scintillating first-half display—sitting out the second—that showcased his generational talent to the world and steered Spain to a third straight victory during this international break. As if answering his call, Rodri Hernandez, whose name already beckons that coveted roll of honour set to expand in 23 days, doubled the advantage. Ultimately, 'La Roja' dispatched the Czech Republic 3-1 to cement top spot in UEFA Nations League Group A3.

Mikel Merino supplied the finishing touch after a final 45 minutes—well, 49—far more tortuous than expected before kick-off. Luis de la Fuente's side eased off following a flurry of chances that, with sharper finishing, would have settled the contest, and they even flirted with surrendering their lead. In the opposite dugout, Santi Denia—steeped in Spanish FA pedigree—walked away encouraged having, at times, went toe-to-toe with his homeland. Yet just as Spain lacked ruthlessness, Denia's charges lacked composure. They became bogged down in protests after the referee chalked off an equaliser for a prior foul, failing to regain their composure thereafter.

Another collective takeaway is that the group, fresh from their triumph in North America, harbour even greater hunger. Their suffocating high press forced the visitors into endless cul-de-sacs as they searched in vain for passing lanes. That relentless pressure spanned from the front line back to midfield, completely snuffing out the Czechs' ability to cross the halfway line with any threat. Spain looked utterly in their element in that suffocating rhythm. The newcomers enjoyed solid debuts—the only blemish being a gap vacated by Ivan Fresneda on the right that allowed the Czechs to halve the deficit—while the established regulars maintained their customary standards.

Roberto Fernandez deserves special mention. Though overshadowed by Yamal—as almost anyone would be—he pressed tirelessly throughout; a goal would have crowned a splendid outing. If his night was on one side of the scales, Jiri Slama occupied the other. The Czech Republic left-back netted his side's solitary strike with a surging run, latching onto Adam Hlozek's pass to exploit the corridor vacated by Fresneda before beating the keeper with a crisp cross-shot. His clinical finish was matched by Yamal's opener—a stunning curling effort from the corner of the box into the top corner—alongside Rodri's point-blank conversion from a scuffed Pedri pass and Merino's volleyed rebound after Antonin Kinsky parried Victor Munoz's close-range drive.

 Spain: endured more trouble than expected in the second period, but their victory was thoroughly deserved. Luis de la Fuente overhauled his starting XI and trusted in Lamine Yamal's artistry. The '19' drove the attack brilliantly, though he was not alone: Spain could have entered the break with a much healthier cushion had their finishing not fed Antonin Kinsky routine saves. There was plenty of game time for debutants as well as David Raya, who committed a glaring error on what nearly proved the visitors' equaliser, spared only by an earlier foul on Robin Le Normand after spilling what should have been a simple catch from Ondrej Lingr's header.

 Czech Republic: overwhelmed in the first half, they rallied in the second. Denia's men capitalised on Yamal's withdrawal and Spain dropping their tempo, growing in confidence to mount an equaliser bid. They actually found the net, only for Lukas Cerv's foul on Robin Le Normand at the edge of the area to rule it out. In the dying embers, the satisfaction of going toe-to-toe with the world champions turned fractious, culminating in a flurry of yellow cards and a red for Ladislav Krejci following his protests and a grapple with Roberto Fernandez. Beyond those turbulent final moments, Denia can take solace in clear signs of progress.