Lamine Yamal's exploits propel Spain to the top of the group
In the Seville stadium, Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the second minute, followed by an assist and a second goal, leading Spain to a decisive victory over Croatia. The match confirmed the Roja's second consecutive win in the Nations League and extended its unbeaten run to forty matches.
A lightning‑fast start
In the second minute, Yamal took advantage of a perfect pass from Alex Baena after a one‑two with Marc Cucurella to beat Dominik Livakovic (1‑0). Three minutes later, he crossed from the right for Marc Pubill, who equalised (2‑1, 31st). The young prodigy then doubled his tally in the 63rd minute, after a through ball from Pedri, sealing control of the match (3‑1).
Contributions from other players
Marc Pubill, missing the World Cup due to a fifth metatarsal injury, hit the post in the 45th minute before the Roja regained the lead. Nico Williams sealed the score in the 89th minute, after a collective move, bringing the final result to 4‑1.
Spain aims to consolidate its Nations League lead in Seville
A reshuffled but effective Roja
Coach Luis de la Fuente retained only six players from the win over England three days earlier, leaving Rodri on the bench. Despite these changes, the Roja maintained its intensity, with contributions from Rodri, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Victor Muñoz and Nico Williams, while Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo were omitted.
Statistics and league position
Thanks to this performance, Spain reached six points, top of Nations League Group C, ahead of England and Croatia, both on three points. The forty‑match unbeaten run puts the Roja at the head of the group and confirms the continuity of results over the past two years.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring as Nations League heats up in Seville
Team lineup
The starting eleven was: Simon – Pubill, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella – Fermin, Zubimendi, Ruiz – Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena, under the direction of Luis de la Fuente. Croatia lined up Dominik Livakovic, Gvardiol, Pongracic, Sutalo, Smolcic – Kovacic, Misic – Perisic, Sucic, Pasalic – Beljo.