Spain 4-1 Croatia: Lamine Yamal Shines as World Champions Extend Unbeaten Run to 40 Games

Spain continued their extraordinary run of form on Tuesday night, defeating Croatia 4-1 in Seville in the second round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.

Lamine Yamal was once again at the center of the action, scoring twice and providing an assist as the world champions produced another convincing performance in front of their home supporters.

The victory was particularly significant because it was Spain's first home match since winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before kickoff, captain Rodri presented the World Cup trophy to the supporters at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, creating a special atmosphere in Seville.

Yamal Strikes Within the First Two Minutes

Spain needed just 75 seconds to take the lead.

Alex Baena's ball found its way into the attacking area, with Fermín López allowing it to reach Yamal. The Barcelona star then produced a precise first-time finish, curling the ball beyond Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.

It was another extremely fast start from Yamal. He had also scored early in Spain's previous Nations League match against England at Wembley, which Spain won 3-2.

The 19-year-old immediately showed why he has become one of the most influential players in Spain's attack.

Croatia Fight Back Through Beljo

Despite Spain's strong start, Croatia managed to find an equalizer before the half-hour mark.

Ivan Perišić delivered an excellent cross into the area, and Dion Beljo rose to head the ball beyond Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

The goal briefly changed the momentum of the match and gave Croatia hope of causing problems for the world champions.

But Spain responded almost immediately.

Marc Pubill Restores Spain's Lead

Only three minutes after Croatia's equalizer, Spain regained the advantage.

Yamal turned provider this time, delivering a dangerous ball into the area. Marc Pubill reacted quickly and headed the ball past Livaković to make it 2-1.

The goal was particularly memorable for Pubill because it was his first goal for the Spanish national team.

Spain continued to create chances before halftime. Mikel Oyarzabal had a goal ruled out for offside, while Fermín López came close to adding another when his effort struck the woodwork.

Yamal Scores Again in the Second Half

Spain eventually found the third goal in the 63rd minute, and once again Yamal was the star.

Pedri produced a perfectly timed pass into Yamal's path, allowing the young forward to move into the area before firing a powerful finish inside the near post.

It was Yamal's second goal of the night and his third goal in the 2026/27 Nations League after only two matches.

His performance was not limited to scoring. Yamal also created chances, carried the ball forward repeatedly and played a major role in Spain's attacking moves. He finished the match with two goals and an assist.

Nico Williams Completes the 4-1 Victory

Spain continued to control the game as Croatia struggled to produce a sustained comeback.

With one minute remaining in normal time, Nico Williams added Spain's fourth goal.

Williams received the ball on the left side, moved into the penalty area and finished clinically to complete a convincing 4-1 victory.

The result gave Spain maximum points from their opening two Nations League matches.

Spain Reach 40 Games Without Defeat

Perhaps the biggest statistic from the night was Spain's remarkable unbeaten run.

The 4-1 victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 40 matches across all competitions, including 31 wins and nine draws according to the latest match statistics.

That run makes Spain the European national team with the longest current unbeaten sequence of this kind.

Spain have also won their last nine matches in all competitions, matching their best winning streak under manager Luis de la Fuente.

The current run has included major victories and important tournament matches, with Spain continuing to build on the momentum of their World Cup triumph.

Spain Take Control of Group A3

After two rounds of the Nations League, Spain sit at the top of Group A3 with six points.

Croatia remain on three points, while England also have three points after beating Czechia 2-0 on the same night. The goal difference currently separates the teams behind Spain.

Spain's next Nations League match will be against Czechia on October 3, before they travel to Croatia on October 6.

A Special Night for Spain

The significance of the victory went beyond the three points.

It was Spain's first home match since lifting the World Cup trophy, and the team marked the occasion with another impressive performance.

Rodri presented the trophy to the supporters before kickoff, while Yamal provided the goals and creativity on the pitch.

For Croatia, the night represented their first defeat of the new Nations League campaign.

Conclusion

Spain's 4-1 victory over Croatia confirmed that the world champions have carried their momentum into the new Nations League campaign.

Lamine Yamal once again took center stage with two goals and an assist, Marc Pubill scored his first international goal, and Nico Williams completed the victory late in the match.

With six points from two games and a 40-match unbeaten run, Spain remain at the top of Group A3 and continue their remarkable sequence under Luis de la Fuente.

The biggest question now is whether anyone can finally stop Spain's extraordinary run.