Key Takeaways:
- Spain recorded a 4-1 victory against Croatia, extending their unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 40 matches (W30, D10)
- Lamine Yamal scored twice, reaching double figures for Spain, while Croatia’s five-match unbeaten away streak ended (W4, D1)
- Slaven Bilic suffered his first defeat since resuming control of Croatia, having previously enjoyed a 14-match unbeaten run (W12, D2)
First-Half Brilliance Sets the Tone
Spain wasted no time asserting themselves, replicating their previous fast start by scoring in the opening moments. After smooth, incisive play sliced through the Croatian defence, Lamine Yamal arrived to finish with a precise first-time effort. Substitute Alex Baena nearly added to Spain’s tally soon after, but Dominik Livakovic reacted smartly to keep out his low drive. Pau Cubarsi came close to doubling the advantage, but his fierce attempt narrowly missed the target. Against the flow of play, Croatia responded when Dion Beljo, earning only his third international cap, notched his first goal for his country with a header from Ivan Perisic’s cross.
🏁 ¡¡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗢 𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔!!
España consigue tres puntos de oro en el Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
👩🏼💻 La crónica: https://t.co/sa0UAr7C1a
🇪🇸 🆚 🇭🇷 | 4-1 | 90+4’#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/wg5PnrW1jo
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) September 29, 2026
Spain were swift to restore their advantage, however, as Marc Pubill headed home following a well-rehearsed corner involving Lamine. Just before the break, Mikel Oyarzabal was denied after being caught offside when finishing a rebound, and Fermin Lopez struck the upright with a curling shot, narrowly missing out on a debut goal for La Roja.
Second-Half Dominance and Yamal’s Milestone
With Croatia’s recent defeats tending to come at the hands of top FIFA-ranked sides, the uphill task grew steeper in the second half. Spain’s hold on the contest strengthened as Pedri slid a measured pass through to Lamine Yamal, who coolly swept in his second goal of the evening via the near post, bringing up double figures for his international tally. Spain maintained their grip on the match, with Livakovic having to turn away a powerful effort from Pedri as the hosts pushed for more.
Williams Puts Finishing Touch on Spanish Performance
As full-time loomed, Nico Williams entered the fray and added a fourth for Spain, gliding into the area before finding the net to cap a thoroughly impressive team display. Manager Luis de la Fuente celebrated his ninth consecutive win in charge, with Spain last suffering defeat on home soil in 2022 against Switzerland.
The result places Spain atop their Nations League group after two matches, three points clear of Croatia, who succumbed to their first defeat under Bilic’s latest tenure. The Croatians fell well short of Bilic’s prior 14-match run without loss (W12, D2).
| Team | Score | Goal Scorers | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 4 | Lamine Yamal (2), Marc Pubill, Nico Williams | Luis de la Fuente |
| Croatia | 1 | Dion Beljo | Slaven Bilic |
