Lamine Yamal scores brace and propels Spain to top of Nations League group

Spain thrashed Croatia 4-1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium in Seville on Tuesday during the second matchday of the Nations League. Lamine Yamal was the architect of victory with a brace and an assist.

The FC Barcelona prospect gave the visitors no respite: from the second minute, on a service from Alex Baena, he opened the scoring with a strike that left little doubt about the evening’s hierarchy. Croatia did respond through Drena Beljo (28th minute), on his first shot on target of the match, but Spain’s reaction was immediate. Three minutes later, Yamal turned provider for Marc Pubill, who restored Spain’s advantage (2-1, 31st minute).

In the second half, La Roja maintained their grip on the match. Starting from his right flank, Yamal concluded a personal run by sending a gem into a tight angle to make it 3-1 (63rd minute). Nico Williams, who came on five minutes earlier, completed the demonstration by scoring the fourth goal late in the match (4-1, 89th minute).

With two wins in two matches — following their opening success in England (2-3) — Spain stands alone at the top of Group 3. Croatia, with three points, drop to third place. Spain’s next fixture is set for October 3rd, hosting the Czech Republic; Croatia will welcome England.