Spain produced another impressive performance as they defeated Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville.
Lamine Yamal was the star of the night, scoring twice and providing an assist as the World Champions extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches.
Spain needed less than two minutes to take the lead. Álex Baena played the ball towards Lamine Yamal, who moved into space before sending a fine left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković had little chance of stopping the shot as the host made the perfect start with a 1-0 scoreline as things pushed forward.
The home side continued to create chances after taking the lead. Baena had an early opportunity to score a second, but Livaković made a good save.
Marc Cucurella also had an effort blocked, while Pau Cubarsí sent a long-range shot wide. Spain were in control and looked dangerous whenever they moved the ball into the final third.
Croatia, however, found a way back into the game in the 28th minute. Ivan Perišić delivered an excellent cross from the left and Dion Beljo rose above the defence to head the ball past Unai Simón.
It was Beljo’s first goal for the visitors and it gave them hope after a difficult opening period with the scoreline staying at 1-1 between both nations.
Spain responded almost immediately in the encounter. Three minutes after the visitors equaliser, Yamal delivered a dangerous cross from a short corner and Marc Pubill rose inside the box to head the ball into the net.
The goal restored the host lead 2-1 and gave Pubill his first goal for the national team. The match pushed on between both sides as they search for more goals to favor themselves.
The World Champions could have gone further ahead before the break. Fermín López had a good chance from inside the penalty area but failed to find the target, before another effort from the midfielder was saved by Livaković.
Fermín also struck the woodwork during the first half. Mikel Oyarzabal appeared to have scored another goal, but it was ruled out for offside.
Croatia picked up two yellow cards in the first half. Marin Pongračić was booked in the 17th minute for dangerous play, while Petar Sučić received a yellow card in the 36th minute.
The host did not receive a yellow card during the first half. After the break, Spain continued to control possession and looked for a third goal.
They got it in the 63rd minute through Barcelona’s Yamal. Pedri produced a clever pass into the forward’s path and Lamine Yamal finished at the near post to score his second goal of the night which made it 3-1.
Croatia tried to respond, but the host remained comfortable. Pedri tested Livaković with a long-range effort that the goalkeeper pushed away.
At the other end, Franjo Ivanović had a chance for the visitors but curled his effort wide of the goal. The home team then made sure of the victory in the 89th minute.
Nico Williams received the ball on the left, used his pace and skill to create space and finished with his left foot to make it 4-1. The goal completed a strong night for Spain and ended any hope of a late Croatia comeback.
The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 win for the World Champions, who remain perfect after two Nations League matches in the group which includes the win against England.
Yamal finished the game with two goals and one assist, while Baena, Pedri and Perišić were among the players who provided key passes for the goals that were scored.
The victory also extended the World Champions unbeaten run to 40 matches across all competitions. Luis de la Fuente’s side have now won their opening two Nations League games and continue to lead their group.
Croatia, meanwhile, will need to respond in their next match after suffering a heavy defeat in Seville. They fate remain in their hands as Spain are already cruising and looking set to win the group.
