Spain delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Croatia at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla during the UEFA Nations League, extending their unbeaten run to 40 matches. Lamine Yamal starred with a first-half opener after just 70 seconds and a second-half strike, while defenders and substitutes added to the scoreline in front of 43,700 spectators.
Lamine Yamal Sets the Tone Early in Sevilla
Lamine Yamal needed just 70 seconds to break the deadlock against Croatia on September 29, 2026. Receiving a pass from Fermín López following a 25-pass sequence originating from the opening kickoff, the Barcelona winger drove down the left channel and fired a precise left-footed shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The goal anchored Spain’s early dominance, characterized by high possession and relentless pressing under head coach Luis de la Fuente, who made five starting changes from the previous fixture against Wembley.
Croatia Equalizes Before Pubill Restores the Lead
Despite Spain controlling the tempo, Croatia capitalized on a rare defensive lapse in the 28th minute. Ivan Perišić carved out space on the flank and delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, where Beljo headed past central defenders Pau Cubarsí and Dean Huijsen to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer threatened to disrupt La Roja’s momentum, mirroring defensive vulnerabilities exposed earlier in the tournament. However, the response was immediate. In the 31st minute, Lamine Yamal combined with Fermín on a short corner routine, sending an outswinging cross into the box for Marc Pubill, who rose high to head home his debut international goal and make it 2-1.
Second-Half Dominance and Final Goleadors
Croatia emerged from halftime with renewed aggression, pressing higher up the pitch and momentarily disrupting Spain’s passing rhythms. The tactical pressure subsided when Lamine Yamal struck again in the 63rd minute. Benefiting from a precise pass from Pedri, the young forward maneuvered into tight space inside the box and beat Livakovic once more to seal his brace, prompting a standing ovation from the Sevilla crowd as he was substituted shortly after. Athletic Club winger Nico Williams capped off the evening in the 89th minute, driving home a powerful effort to secure the 4-1 final scoreline and cement Spain’s position at the top of their Nations League group.
Match Statistics and Lineups
Dutch referee Serdar Gözübüyük officiated the fixture at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Spain deployed Unai Simón in goal, supported by a backline of Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella. Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, and Fermín López formed the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal led the attack. Substitutes included Rodrigo, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Víctor Muñoz, and Nico Williams. Croatia’s starting XI featured Dominik Livakovic, Marin Šverko, Martin Erlić, Josip Šutalo, Joško Gvardiol, Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Petar Susic, Kristijan Jakić, and Beljo, with tactical changes introducing Luka Modrić, Ante Budimir, and Franjo Ivanović in the second half.
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