Lamine Yamal scored twice and provided an assist as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League, extending their unbeaten run to a record 40 international matches.
Playing their first home match since winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain made a flying start at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. Yamal opened the scoring in just the second minute, finishing off a quick attacking move to put the hosts ahead.
Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Beljo headed home Ivan Perisic’s cross to level the contest. Spain, however, regained the lead only three minutes later. Yamal delivered a cross into the area and Marc Pubill headed it into the net for his first international goal.
Spain went into the break 2-1 ahead, having also created opportunities to extend their advantage. The second half was more competitive, but Yamal restored Spain’s two-goal cushion in the 63rd minute with a low finish from the right side.
Nico Williams then completed the scoring in the 88th minute, curling a powerful effort into the far corner to seal a 4-1 victory.
The result gave Spain their second win in as many Nations League matches and extended their unbeaten streak to 40 games. The run includes their 2026 World Cup final victory over Argentina.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal’s contribution after the match, highlighting both his individual ability and his work for the team. He also stressed that the young Spanish side still has room to develop further.
“I am a perfectionist, and I am convinced that there’s always room for improvement,” de la Fuente said, adding that the team “has not reached its ceiling yet.”
The victory was also a special occasion for the home supporters, with Spain displaying the World Cup trophy before kick-off. The team will next face the Czech Republic in Oviedo on October 3.
