Spain 4–1 Croatia: Yamal Double Extends Unbeaten Run to 40

Lamine Yamal two goals and provided an assist as Spain defeated Croatia 4–1 in Seville extending their unbeaten run to 40 matches. 

Spain marked their first home appearance since lifting the World Cup in July with another victory. Before kick-off at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Rodri presented the trophy to supporters, setting the scene for a successful return to Spain.

Yamal Strikes Early Before Croatia Respond

Yamal needed just 70 seconds to open the scoring with a left-footed finish. It was his second successive early breakthrough for Spain, having also scored inside two minutes during Saturday’s 3–2 victory over England at Wembley.

Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Beljo headed in an Ivan Perišić cross. However, the visitors were level for only three minutes. Yamal turned provider, delivering a cross for Marc Pubill to head Spain back in front with his first senior international goal. 

Spain threatened to extend their advantage before half-time, with Fermín López hitting the woodwork, but went into the interval leading 2–1.

Second-Half Goals Secure Spain’s Win

Yamal added his second in the 63rd minute, collecting a pass from Pedri and beating Dominik Livaković from a tight angle. Substitute Nico Williams completed the scoring with a late individual finish. 

Williams’ goal arrived in the 89th minute, rounding off a second consecutive Nations League victory for Spain following their opening win in London. UEFA.com

De la Fuente Praises Yamal’s Team-First Approach

Speaking after the match, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal’s willingness to use his individual talent for the benefit of the team. He highlighted both the forward’s collective contribution and his standing within the squad, rather than focusing solely on the goals. De la Fuente also stressed that Spain still have room to improve. Despite their results, he believes the young squad has not yet reached its full potential.

Spain Move Three Points Clear

Spain lead League A Group 3 with six points from two matches, three ahead of England and Croatia. England moved into second place after beating the Czech Republic 2–0 in Prague, leaving the Czech side without a point.

Spain next host the Czech Republic at the Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo on Saturday, 3 October, with kick-off at 19:45 BST. Croatia welcome England earlier that day at 17:00 BST.