Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect 10/10 as Spain Crush Croatia 4-1 in Nations League

Lamine Yamal starred brilliantly as Spain secured a commanding 4-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The young winger scored twice and set up another goal, making a remarkable impact on the match.

The action started swiftly when Yamal finished off a precise cross from Álex Baena just two minutes in, putting Spain ahead early. Croatia responded in the 28th minute through Dion Drena Beljo's header, leveling the score after good work by Ivan Perisic. Yet Spain bounced back quickly as Marc Pubill headed in from a Yamal corner three minutes later to regain the lead at halftime.

Spain controlled the second half, holding 63.7% possession and dominating midfield battles. Yamal added his second goal shortly after the hour mark, effectively sealing the game, before substitute Nico Williams capped the scoring late on. This result keeps Spain top of Group 3.

Player Ratings

• Goalkeeper & Defence
• Unai Simon - 6/10: Fairly quiet night, only beaten once by Beljo’s header. Commanded his defense well, preventing further threats.
• Marc Pubill - 8/10: Impressive attacking runs stretched Croatia’s defense. Scored Spain’s second goal with a well-timed header. Solid defensively throughout.
• Pau Cubarsi - 7/10: Displayed maturity in dealing with physical challenges. His accurate passing kept Spain’s tempo high.
• Dean Huijsen - 7/10: Strong aerial presence and calm under pressure. Helped maintain defensive solidity despite Croatia’s brief chances.
• Marc Cucurella - 7/10: Energetic overlaps supported attacks without leaving gaps for counter-attacks.

• Midfield
• Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: Key figure in recycling possession and breaking up Croatian plays before giving way to Rodri late on.
• Fabian Ruiz - 7/10: Balanced technical skill and physicality, helping Spain control possession until replaced by Pedri.
• Álex Baena - 8/10: Creative spark, provided assist for opening goal and troubled Croatia consistently until substituted.
• Fermin Lopez - 7/10: Hard-working and disciplined, nearly scored with a powerful shot hitting the post.

• Attack
• Lamine Yamal - 10/10: Flawless. Scored early, assisted the second goal, and finished off the win with a second strike. Constant menace on the left wing.
• Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Played selflessly as the forward pivot. Created space despite having a goal disallowed for offside.

• Substitutes & Manager
• Pedri - 8/10: Boosted creativity immediately upon entering, assisting Yamal’s second goal.
• Mikel Merino - 7/10: Added midfield strength and assisted Williams’ late goal.
• Nico Williams - 8/10: Came off the bench to keep pressure on Croatia and scored a well-taken goal.
• Victor Muñoz - 6/10: Fresh legs on the wing, almost scored with a header.
• Rodri - 6/10: Took over captaincy late and helped manage the closing stages.
• Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: Trusted youth and crafted effective tactics. Substitutions paid off with assists and goals, showing squad depth.