Spain’s homecoming celebration at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan turned into a showcase of individual brilliance on Tuesday, as 19-year-old Lamine Yamal scored twice and provided a key assist to dismantle Croatia 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture. The result extended La Roja’s unbeaten run to 40 matches — a sequence that includes their World Cup final victory over Argentina in the United States in June.
Yamal Opens the Scoring Inside 75 Seconds, Then Doubles His Tally After the Hour
Yamal wasted no time making his mark in Seville, finding the net just 75 seconds into the match — mirroring his two-minute opener against England in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Wembley. The Barcelona forward then added his second in the 63rd minute, slotting past Croatia goalkeeper and Barcelona club teammate Dominik Livakovic at his near post.
The double took Yamal’s international goal tally to 10 in just 35 appearances for Spain.
Marc Pubill added a header from a precise Yamal cross shortly after Croatia levelled through Dion Beljo’s 29th-minute header from an Ivan Perisic cross. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams sealed the result with a crisp dribble and finish with fewer than two minutes remaining.
Croatia had made six changes from their previous match, with captain Luka Modric left on the bench by manager Slaven Bilic.
Spain’s 40-Match Unbeaten Run Underlines Dominant Cycle Following World Cup Win
Spain’s 40-game unbeaten streak now stands as one of the most sustained runs of form in international football, bookended by their Nations League campaign and culminating in the World Cup title secured against Argentina earlier this year in the United States.
Captain Rodri displayed the World Cup trophy before kick-off, receiving it from Sevilla club legend Jesus Navas — himself a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 — in front of a packed Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan crowd in Seville, Andalusia.
Yamal reflected on the occasion after the final whistle. “We were very excited to bring the trophy here,” he said. “To be able to win the game and bring it home is great.”
Coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking to Teledeporte, offered a candid assessment of the performance. “The first half could have ended 4-1 or 5-1, and the second half was more of the same,” he said. “We were up against a team that defends well and is strong in the air, so you have to be on your toes in every situation. But then we regained possession, our passing and control of the game.”
Spain’s attacking trio of Yamal, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal all started having scored in the Wembley victory on Saturday.
Yamal’s Brace Strengthens Ballon d’Or Case Ahead of October 26 Announcement
Yamal’s two-goal, one-assist performance arrives at a pivotal moment in the Ballon d’Or calendar. Voting for the award closed on Monday, with the winner set to be announced on October 26. The teenager’s consistent output at both club and international level — including his role in Spain’s World Cup triumph — has placed him among the frontrunners for the prize.
De la Fuente did not shy away from endorsing his star forward’s credentials. “We’ve enjoyed his magic in the service of the team,” the Spain coach said. “In the future, he’ll be much more recognised for what he does and for his contribution to the team’s play.”
At 19 years old with 10 international goals in 35 caps, Yamal’s statistics already compare favourably with some of the most decorated players in Spanish football history at the same age.
Spain Face Czech Republic on Saturday in Their Next Nations League Group A3 Fixture
Having secured maximum points from their opening two Nations League fixtures, Spain turn their attention to Saturday’s Group A3 away match against the Czech Republic. A win would further consolidate their position at the top of the group standings.
Croatia, meanwhile, will be looking to recover from Tuesday’s heavy defeat. The Croatians had entered the match on the back of a positive result against the Czech Republic at the weekend, but their six changes and the absence of Modric from the starting lineup ultimately proved costly against a Spain side that showed no signs of post-World Cup complacency.
De la Fuente’s squad continues to demonstrate the depth and tactical flexibility that carried them through the World Cup, with contributions across the pitch from a squad that blends experienced internationals with emerging talents.
— Reporting based on AFP match coverage from Seville, September 29, 2026
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