Spain beats Croatia 4-1, extends unbeaten run to 40 matches

Spain secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Croatia in Seville on Tuesday in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 match, extending their record unbeaten streak to 40 games following their World Cup triumph in June.

Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger, was the standout performer, scoring twice and providing an assist. Yamal opened the scoring in the second minute with a left-footed finish after a 26-touch Spanish buildup lasting 70 seconds—the fastest goal in UEFA Nations League history and marking Spain's fastest international goal in 106 years. He repeated the feat in the 63rd minute, striking from a tight angle at the near post. Marc Pubill scored his first international goal with a header in the 31st minute from Yamal's cross, and substitute Nico Williams added a fourth in the 89th minute. Croatia's Dion Beljo equalized temporarily in the 28th minute with a header from Ivan Perisic's cross.

Spain's captain Rodri presented the World Cup trophy to the home crowd at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium before kickoff, marking the team's first home fixture since winning the tournament. Coach Luis de la Fuente made five changes to the side that defeated England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday. The victory leaves Spain leading Group A3 with six points, three ahead of both England and Croatia after two matches.

Yamal's dominant display enhanced his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or, with voting having closed Monday and winners to be announced on October 26. He has now scored nine international goals in 36 appearances. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic acknowledged Spain's superiority: "We knew that before kickoff. They have been the best side for several years."

Spain will host Czechia on Saturday and visit Croatia on October 3 in their next Nations League fixtures.