Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has insisted that his team were "exceptional" in defence during their 1-0 defeat to champions Spain at Euro 2016.

Gerard Pique of Barcelona scored an 86th-minute winner for the Spanish, but the Arsenal stopper was keen to draw positives from his side's display.

"It's always tough with four minutes to go, but I thought we did exceptionally well for 86 minutes. We were constantly under pressure but we managed to block them," Cech told UEFA.com. "Their talent and quality is huge and they got the goal.

"I made some saves, it's true, I'm pleased with my performance but I thought our defence was exceptional, we made some blocks and filled the spaces. But this team is very difficult, they have such quality and invention. You have to defend very well."

The Czech Republic face Croatia in their next group match on Friday.