Seville’s Sánchez-Pizjuán saw Spain carry their early UEFA Nations League momentum into a 4-1 victory over Croatia, with Lamine Yamal shaping the evening through two goals and an assist. The home side now have six points in Group C and remain unbeaten after two rounds.
Yamal opens the way in Seville
Spain started with purpose and found the opening goal almost immediately. A delivery from the left reached Yamal inside the penalty area, where he met it first time and directed his finish beyond the goalkeeper at the far post.
Croatia were briefly under sustained pressure as Spain looked for a second. Pau Cubarsí came close in the 20th minute, sending a long-range attempt narrowly wide of the post.
The visitors nevertheless drew level through Dion Beljo. Ivan Perišić supplied the cross from the left flank and Beljo produced a composed finish to bring Croatia back into the contest.
- Lamine Yamal gave Spain an early lead with a first-time finish.
- Pau Cubarsí narrowly missed from distance before Croatia equalised.
- Dion Beljo scored Croatia’s goal after an Ivan Perišić cross.
Spain restore control before the interval
Croatia’s equaliser did not alter the balance for long. Just three minutes later, Yamal turned provider, setting up Marc Pubill for a close-range effort that put Spain back in front.
Spain then believed they had added another before half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal finished a move, but the goal was cancelled because the pass that broke Croatia’s defensive line had been offside.
The disallowed effort did not blunt the hosts’ authority, and Spain returned after the break with the same attacking intent that had defined the first half.
A second for Yamal and a late flourish
Pedri assisted Yamal for Spain’s third goal. The young forward received the ball in the area and beat the Croatian goalkeeper with a finish inside the near post, completing his brace.
Nico Williams provided the final statement near the end. Mikel Merino found him near the edge of the box, and Williams used a stepover before striking powerfully to seal the 4-1 result.
- Marc Pubill restored Spain’s lead from Yamal’s assist.
- Mikel Oyarzabal had a goal ruled out for offside.
- Pedri created Yamal’s second of the night.
- Nico Williams completed the scoring after a pass from Mikel Merino.
The result leaves Spain perfect after two Group C fixtures, while a night in Andalusia belonged above all to Yamal, whose goals and creativity drove the home side clear of Croatia.
