Lamine Yamal is beginning to make the extraordinary look almost ordinary.
The Spain and Barcelona teenager has joked that he sometimes feels like Superman or Spider-Man, and after another breathtaking performance, Spanish supporters may be starting to wonder if there is some truth behind the joke.
Yamal scored inside the opening six minutes for the third consecutive game as Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 in Oviedo, taking another important step toward the Nations League quarter-finals. The result leaves Spain needing just one more point to secure their place in the next round.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for the teenager after the match, declaring that Yamal is “on course to become a legend.”
The winger once again showed exactly why such huge expectations are surrounding him.
Spain started the game at a furious pace, and Yamal nearly opened the scoring within the first minute. He chased down Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky before another early opportunity sent excitement around the Carlos Tartiere.
Just moments later, Yamal came even closer. Dani Olmo released him into space, but his composed effort rolled just wide of the post.
He did not have to wait much longer.
In the sixth minute, Yamal exchanged passes with Olmo before taking possession near the right corner of the penalty area. With barely any hesitation, he curled a stunning effort beyond Kinsky and into the far corner.
It was another spectacular finish from a player who is quickly turning these moments into routine.
Yamal had previously scored after just 104 seconds against England and 70 seconds against Croatia. Now, after just 320 seconds on the pitch in Oviedo, he had another early goal to add to the collection.
Spain continued to dominate after taking the lead. Czechia struggled to cope with the hosts’ possession and movement, while Spain repeatedly created openings.
By half-time, Spain had registered 13 shots compared with Czechia’s one and controlled 70 percent of the possession.
Their second goal arrived in the 32nd minute, with Rodri providing another memorable moment.
The midfielder picked up the ball near the centre circle and drove forward, something he does not often do. He exchanged passes with Pedri before receiving the ball back and firing into the roof of the net, with a slight deflection helping his effort find its way past Kinsky.
Spain could have added more before the interval. Yamal created an opportunity for Alex Baena, whose attempt was saved, before Baena returned the favour with a clever pass that allowed Yamal another chance. This time, however, his effort drifted wide.
With Spain seemingly in complete control, De la Fuente made changes at half-time, taking both Yamal and Baena off.
But their departure did not mean the danger had disappeared.
Czechia came out for the second half with renewed energy and began to put Spain under genuine pressure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 69th minute when Jiri Slama reduced the deficit.
The move began deep inside Czechia’s own half before progressing through the right side and into midfield. Adam Hlozek spotted Slama racing forward and slipped the ball into his path, allowing the midfielder to guide a low finish beyond David Raya.
Suddenly, a match that had looked almost settled at half-time had become uncomfortable for Spain.
Czechia thought they had completed the comeback when Ryan Naderi found the net in the 79th minute, but referee Vassilis Fotias ruled out the goal for a foul on Robin Le Normand during the set-piece that created the opportunity.
Czechia’s frustration grew further when they were reduced to 10 men soon afterwards.
Spain eventually put the result beyond doubt with two minutes remaining. Mikel Merino found the decisive finish to make it 3-1 and ensure Spain’s return to Oviedo ended with another victory.
The occasion had already carried plenty of emotion. Before kick-off, Rodri was presented with the World Cup by former Real Oviedo academy graduates Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata.
Eleven years after Spain’s previous visit to the Carlos Tartiere, the national team returned as world and European champions and left the stadium with another victory.
Yet once again, much of the attention belonged to Yamal.
The teenager continues to produce moments that seem almost impossible to explain. His confidence, technique and ability to decide games at such a young age are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
For Spain, the most exciting part may be that this could only be the beginning.
