Spain and Belgium fight back to secure Nations League victories

Spain maintained their perfect record in Group A3, with Belgium moving above Italy into second place in Group A1 after Arda Guler's stunning free-kick proved insufficient to prevent another Turkish defeat.

Spain overcome Czech resistance to extend unbeaten run

Spain dominated the opening stages against the Czech Republic, with Matej Kovar forced into action to deny Dean Huijsen before Pau Cubarsi headed against the crossbar from another dangerous set-piece. The visitors eventually took the lead when Lukas Ambros handled inside the penalty area, allowing Alex Baena to convert from the spot for his fifth international goal.

Spain continued to threaten before the break, with Fabian Ruiz curling an effort against the woodwork as the Czech defence struggled to cope with the pressure. La Roja thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after half-time when Yeremey Pino finished after being released by goalkeeper Unai Simon's long kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The hosts gradually found their feet and began creating opportunities of their own. David Zima fired over from close range following a long throw, while Lukas Provod saw a deflected effort narrowly miss the target. Adam Hlozek came even closer when his flicked free-kick struck the top of the crossbar, giving the Czech supporters hope of a comeback.

However, the home side's chances suffered another setback when captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off for pulling back an opponent as the last defender. It was the second time he had been dismissed against Spain in the competition, leaving his team with an uphill battle. Marc Pubill then settled the contest late on, advancing from defence before calmly beating Kovar to make it 2-0.

The victory means Spain have now gone 43 matches without defeat inside 90 minutes, winning 34 and drawing nine. They have also won all five of their Nations League Group A3 fixtures and need only avoid defeat against England on Sunday to secure top spot. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, have lost all five matches and are now without a win in eight games across all competitions.

De Bruyne inspires Belgium comeback against Turkey

Belgium recovered from an early deficit to beat Turkey 2-1 in Izmir, leaving the hosts bottom of Group A1 after a fifth consecutive Nations League defeat. The match marked the beginning of Sergen Yalcin's tenure as Turkey coach, but his first assignment ended in disappointment despite an encouraging opening from the home side.

Turkey made a positive start and took the lead in the 20th minute through Arda Guler. After being fouled by Nicolas Raskin just outside the penalty area, the Real Madrid midfielder stepped up and produced a superb free-kick, curling the ball beyond Senne Lammens and into the top corner.

Belgium responded quickly, however, with Jeremy Doku causing problems down the left before setting up Kevin De Bruyne for a clinical first-time finish seven minutes later. The visitors completed their turnaround just three minutes afterwards when Maxim De Cuyper teed up Charles De Ketelaere, who finished from close range after Ugurcan Cakir had initially saved Diego Moreira's effort.

Belgium continued to create chances after the interval, with De Bruyne and Doku both threatening before Cakir denied De Ketelaere a second goal. Turkey also had opportunities to get back into the contest, but Lammens produced important saves to keep out efforts from Baris Yilmaz and Deniz Gul as the hosts searched for an equaliser.

There were no further goals, leaving Yalcin to begin his new spell with a defeat and Turkey facing serious concerns over their League A status. Belgium, meanwhile, collected three valuable points to move above Italy into second place in Group A1, ahead of the Azzurri's meeting with France later on Thursday.