Spain strengthened their position at the top of their UEFA Nations League group with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Croatia, extending their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to a record 40 matches (W30, D10).
Lamine Yamal was at the heart of another dazzling La Roja performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as Luis de la Fuente’s world champions made it two wins from two. Croatia briefly threatened a contest through Dion Beljo, but Spain’s attacking quality ultimately proved overwhelming.
Yamal Gives Spain a Dream Start
Spain needed only two minutes to score against England in their previous outing, and remarkably, they repeated the trick against Croatia.
A slick attacking move carved open the visitors before the ball reached Lamine Yamal, who clinically swept a first-time finish beyond Dominik Livaković.
La Roja immediately went hunting for another. Alex Baena tested Livaković with a low drive, while Pau Cubarsà narrowly missed the target as Croatia struggled to contain Spain’s early intensity.
Dion Beljo Gives Croatia Hope
Despite spending much of the opening period on the defensive, Croatia found an equalizer before the half-hour mark.
Ivan Perišić delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area, where Dion Beljo got ahead of Dean Huijsen and headed home. It was a memorable moment for Beljo, who registered his first senior international goal on just his third appearance.
Croatia’s celebrations were short-lived.
Only three minutes later, Spain restored their advantage through Marc Pubill, whose perfectly timed run was spotted by Yamal following a cleverly worked corner routine.
Spain nearly added a third before half-time. Mikel Oyarzabal had a goal ruled out for offside before FermÃn López curled an effort against the post.
Lamine Yamal Takes Control
Croatia entered the second half needing a response, but Spain soon tightened their grip on proceedings.
Pedri unlocked the defense with an incisive pass into Yamal’s path. The winger controlled the ball smoothly before whipping a finish inside the near post for his second of the evening.
The goal also took Yamal into double figures for Spain, another milestone in his rapidly developing international career.
With Spain controlling possession, Croatia struggled to generate the momentum required for a comeback. Livaković prevented the deficit from growing when he pushed away Pedri’s effort, but the fourth eventually arrived.
Nico Williams Completes the Route
Substitute Nico Williams provided the finishing touch to an impressive Spanish display late on.
The winger danced into the Croatian penalty area before firing home to complete a commanding 4-1 victory.
The result ended Croatia’s five-match unbeaten run away from home (W4, D1) and handed Slaven Bilić his first defeat since returning as Croatia manager.
For Spain, the numbers continue to underline their dominance. Luis de la Fuente has now overseen nine consecutive victories, while La Roja remains unbeaten on home soil since losing to Switzerland in 2022.
Spain Takes Control of the Group
Maximum points from their opening two matches leave Spain top of the group, three points clear of Croatia.
More significantly, their extraordinary unbeaten sequence now stands at 40 consecutive matches without defeat inside 90 minutes.
With Yamal producing decisive moments, Pedri controlling midfield and players such as Nico Williams providing additional firepower from the bench, Spain continue to demonstrate why they remain one of international football’s toughest opponents.
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Final Word
Spain 4-1 Croatia was another statement performance from a La Roja side showing little sign of slowing down.
Croatia briefly disrupted the script through Beljo’s equalizer, but Spain responded almost immediately before taking complete control after the break. Yamal’s two goals and an assist made him the standout performer as Spain extended their record-breaking unbeaten run and strengthened their position at the summit of the group.
For Kenyan fans following the UEFA Nations League, Spain’s relentless form — and Yamal’s continued rise—will make La Roja one of the teams worth watching as the competition progresses.
