Merino on target as Arsenal trio help Spain maintain perfect start

October 4, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Mikel Merino continued his impressive influence for Spain by scoring the final goal as the world champions beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in Oviedo on Saturday night.

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It was also a significant evening for Arsenal representation, with David Raya starting in goal before both Merino and Martin Zubimendi were introduced during the second half.

According to BBC Sport, Spain’s victory extended their winning run to ten matches and maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League with nine points from their opening three Group A3 fixtures.

Raya starts as Spain take early control

Lamine Yamal needed only six minutes to put Spain ahead, curling an excellent finish beyond the Czech goalkeeper after finding space around the edge of the box.

Rodri doubled the advantage after 35 minutes, leaving Spain seemingly in complete control heading towards half-time.

Raya, who had remained on the bench when Spain beat England 3-2 at Wembley in their opening Nations League fixture, was given his opportunity from the start this time.

The Arsenal goalkeeper was beaten in the 69th minute when Jiri Slama fired low to reduce the deficit and briefly give the visitors hope of a comeback.

By then, Merino had already entered the action, replacing Pedri two minutes earlier.

(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Merino provides the finishing touch for Spain

Zubimendi joined his Arsenal teammate on the pitch in the 77th minute when he replaced Rodri, meaning all three Gunners selected by Luis de la Fuente featured during the evening.

The Czech Republic’s chances suffered another blow when Ladislav Krejci was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card.

Then came Merino’s moment.

The midfielder reacted to a loose ball inside the area in the 89th minute and converted to make it 3-1, ensuring there would be no late drama.

It is another positive moment for a player who recently revealed how serious his injury problems had been before returning to feature for Spain at the World Cup.

Spain now remain three points clear of England at the top of Group A3 and travel to Croatia on Tuesday knowing another victory would secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

For Arsenal, seeing Merino on the scoresheet and all three Spanish Gunners getting valuable minutes, and hopefully returning home fit, can only be welcome news.

How important do you think Merino has become for both Arsenal and Spain? And are you pleased to see Raya getting another opportunity for the world champions after being an unused sub at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.

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