Yamal Brace Powers Spain to Dominant Nations League Victory Over Croatia

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal nets twice and provides an assist as the World Cup holders extend their European unbeaten streak to 40 matches with a 4-1 Group A3 win in Seville.

Spain continued their flawless start to the UEFA Nations League campaign, overwhelming Croatia 4-1 on Tuesday to maintain top spot in Group A3. The victory extended La Roja’s remarkable European record unbeaten run to 40 matches, while England capitalized on a numerical advantage to defeat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague and climb to second place.

In a rematch of the 2023 Nations League final—won by Spain on penalties—the visitors initially responded well to an early setback, drawing level before the hosts’ relentless quality ultimately proved decisive. The contest marked Spain’s first home fixture since lifting the World Cup in July, an occasion celebrated by Rodri parading the trophy before kickoff.

The party atmosphere in Seville ignited instantly when Yamal, replicating his heroics against England at Wembley days earlier, opened the scoring inside two minutes. Alex Baena’s delivery into the box was cleverly dummied by Fermin Lopez, allowing the winger to curl a first-time, low finish inside the far post.

Spain threatened to run away with the contest early on, with Baena forcing a sharp save from Dominik Livakovic, but Croatia struck against the run of play. Dion Beljo rose highest to head the visitors level in the 28th minute, silencing the home crowd momentarily.

The response was immediate. Within three minutes, Spain reclaimed the lead as Yamal whipped a pinpoint cross from the right flank onto the head of Marc Pubill, who powered the ball past Livakovic.

Yamal completed his brace shortly after the hour mark, collecting a sublime pass from Pedri inside the area before drilling a clinical finish from a tight angle to make it 3-1. Substitute Nico Williams added the gloss in the 89th minute, rounding off a commanding performance.

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