Czech Republic 2-2 Spain: Martinez's thumping header rescues Enriques's side

A late goal from defender Inigo Martinez rescued a 2-2 draw for Spain against Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

The hosts took an early lead in the Group A2 clash after Sparta Prague forward Jakub Pesek scored from close range in the fourth minute, connecting with a pass from Jan Kuchta who got in behind Spain's defence.

The visitors equalised on the strike of halftime when Spain midfielder Gavi, one of three players to keep their place in the team after coach Luis Enrique made eight changes from the 1-1 draw with Portugal, beat Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik with a shot to the far post.

However, the Czech's retook the lead in the 66th minute when forward Jan Kuchta lobbed goalkeeper Unai Simon from just outside the area after he was sent through on goal alone.

Spain scored in the 90th minute to break the hearts of the home fans when Martinez connected with a cross from Marco Asensio and his header just crossed the line.

Luis Enrique said the game was 'very complicated' for his side.

'It was a complicated game from the first chance, we were not ourselves for the most of the time, we did not manage (the game) as well as we wanted,' Enrique told a news conference.

'We had more chances, but especially in the first half, we had a problem to play against such a strong, aggressively playing team with an excellent defence. We lacked fluidity, so the match was really very complicated.'

In their five previous encounters, the Czechs only once managed to get at least a point against Spain - a goalless draw in 1996. They previously scored their only goal against Spain in a Euro 2012 qualifier in 2011. (Reporting by Robert Muller Editing by Christian Radnedge).