Spain extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 40 consecutive games, thrashing Croatia 4-1 in Seville behind a Lamine Yamal double to open a three-point lead at the top of their UEFA Nations League group.
A Lightning-Fast Start
Spain needed just two minutes to break the deadlock, with Yamal cutting inside from the right and curling a precise finish past Dominik Livaković. Croatia responded well, drawing level through Dion Drena Beljo in the 28th minute after a pass from Ivan Perišić, but Spain’s response was immediate — Marc Pubill restored the lead just three minutes later, heading home from a Yamal assist to make it 2-1.
Yamal Seals It, Williams Adds Gloss
Spain controlled the remainder of the first half, with Fermín López going close on multiple occasions, including an effort that struck the post right before the break. Croatia showed more threat after the restart, but it was Spain who continued to find the net at key moments — Yamal struck again in the 63rd minute to restore a two-goal cushion, before substitute Nico Williams put the result beyond any doubt in the 89th minute, rounding off a 4-1 victory.
What It Means
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal’s “magic” after the match, and it’s easy to see why — two goals and an assist from the Barcelona winger were the difference-maker throughout. The win gives Spain six points from two matches and extends their extraordinary unbeaten run to 40 games, cementing their status as one of the most formidable sides in international football right now. For Croatia, despite a spirited response to going behind early, the gulf in quality in the final third proved decisive, leaving them to regroup before their next fixture.
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