The Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium witnessed a footballing clinic as La Roja crushed Croatia 4-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash. Star attacker Lamine Yamal delivered a dazzling individual performance, scoring two goals and providing an assist to validate the pre-match warnings issued by Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic.
Some matches begin with Lamine and end with Yamal; against Croatia, the young prodigy once again took center stage to guide Spain to a completely convincing victory.
Electric Start And Lightning Tactics
The match exploded into life just 70 seconds after kickoff. Spain orchestrated a patient, 70-second passing sequence that involved circulating the ball entirely across the pitch. Marc Cucurella linked up smoothly with Alex Baena on the left flank, allowing Baena to slide a delicate pass forward. Fermin Lopez laid the ball off intelligently, setting up Lamine Yamal to surge into space and slot home a precise opening finish.
Coach Luis de la Fuente had rotated five positions from his previous starting XI. Martin Zubimendi stepped in for Rodri in midfield, Fermin Lopez took over Dani Olmo's role, and Dean Huijsen replaced Aymeric Laporte in defense. Pedri started on the bench—a testament to the incredible squad depth Spain currently possesses.
Despite the rotated lineup, Spain dominated proceedings following the opener. Fermin worked tirelessly, pressing high and occupying dangerous pockets. Without Luka Modric in their starting lineup, Croatia struggled to retain possession or organize meaningful attacks, looking like mere spectators in the face of Spain's relentless control.
Instant Response To Surprise Equalizer
Against the run of play, Croatia capitalized on their first significant chance. Veteran Ivan Perisic whipped in a pinpoint cross, allowing towering striker Dion Beljo to rise between Pau Cubarsi and Dean Huijsen and send a soaring header past Unai Simon.
However, Croatia's joy lasted just three minutes. Yamal immediately took charge, shifting from scorer to provider. Cutting inside, the left-footed sensation delivered an exquisite right-footed cross into the danger zone. Defender Marc Pubill arrived right on cue to rise high and head the ball into the roof of Dominik Livakovic's net, restoring Spain's lead.
La Roja commanded over 65% of the possession before the interval. Fermin Lopez nearly extended the lead when his striking effort struck the post, while Zubimendi repeatedly broke up potential Croatian counterattacks.
Yamal Seals Brace As Spain Cruise
In the second half, De la Fuente introduced Pedri off the bench, a tactical switch that instantly solidified Spain's grip on the match. In the 63rd minute, Pedri released the ball out to the right flank for Yamal.
Receiving the ball in his signature wide stance, Yamal drove into the penalty area, spotted a sliver of space, and unleashed an audacious, precise shot through the tight gap between Livakovic and his near post. Lamine Yamal's brilliant second goal effectively crushed any lingering Croatian hopes of a comeback.
Moments later, Yamal treated the crowd to a touch of flair by sitting on the ball before being substituted off for Victor Muñoz, receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the home support.
Croatia offered little response, though the stadium showed immense respect when Modric finally entered the pitch to warm applause. Late in the game, Mikel Merino set up Nico Williams, who sprinted down the left flank and scored a crisp fourth goal to seal the resounding win.
With 18 goal contributions in 10 matches across club and international play this season, Yamal continues to solidify his case for the Ballon d'Or. The 4-1 triumph leaves Spain sitting comfortably atop Group C with a perfect six points, extending an impressive unbeaten streak stretching back to March 2024.