Some returns are special. Spain’s return to Oviedo is certainly one of them. Eleven years after last visiting the Carlos Tartiere, Spain are back in the city, this time with two stars on their shirts and freshly crowned world champions. On Saturday, against Czechia, the national team face the third matchday of the UEFA Nations League with six points from six and top spot in Group A3.

Spain vs Czechia, 8:45pm (Spanish mainland time), live on La 1 de TVE

Oviedo had been waiting more than a decade for Spain to return. The last visit came on 5 September 2015, also at the Carlos Tartiere, when Spain beat Slovakia 2-0. The response from Asturias has matched the wait. The city has spent days preparing for a football celebration, and the welcome given to the Spain internationals at the airport was proof of that. Luis de la Fuente himself said he was delighted to be playing in such a “football-mad city”. Real Oviedo’s home ground will once again be dressed for the occasion as it welcomes a team carrying a new symbol of pride: the two stars representing the World Cups Spain have won.

On the pitch, Spain return to the Asturian capital in full flight. Two matches, two wins. First came the 2-3 victory over England at Wembley, a comeback full of character in the opening match of the competition. Then came the 4-1 win over Croatia in Seville, the first match on home soil with the two stars on Spain’s shirt.

Six points from six have put Spain alone at the top of the group. England and Croatia have three points each, while Czechia travel to Oviedo still without a point after defeats against Croatia and England.

Spain have never lost to Czechia

Squad numbers for the match

The head-to-head record also favours Luis de la Fuente’s side. Spain remain unbeaten against Czechia. The most recent meeting came in the 2022 UEFA Nations League, when Spain won 2-0. The overall record stands at seven matches, with five Spain wins and two draws.

The match will also have an emotional dimension on the two benches. Czechia are coached by Santi Denia, the former Spain U21 head coach. De la Fuente acknowledged before the match that the two know each other extremely well after working together for around 12 years.

[The reunion between the two head coaches]Watch the reunion between the two head coaches

Spain return to Oviedo with the results, confidence and recent history on their side. But this occasion means more than three points: it is Spain’s reunion with a city that has spent eleven years waiting to see them again.