Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect 10 in Spain's 4-1 Win Over Croatia

Spain Dominates Croatia with Lamine Yamal's Standout Performance

Lamine Yamal delivered an exceptional showing as Spain secured a 4-1 victory against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The young winger scored twice and assisted another goal, playing a key role in the home side’s commanding win.

The match began quickly, with Spain opening the scoring just two minutes in when Yamal finished off a cross from Álex Baena. Croatia responded in the 28th minute through Dion Drena Beljo’s header, leveling the score after some sharp work from Ivan Perisic.

Spain answered back swiftly. Marc Pubill regained the lead three minutes later by heading in a corner delivered by Yamal, taking the score to 2-1 at halftime. Spain dominated possession in the second half, controlling 63.7% of the ball and stifling Croatia’s midfield efforts. Yamal added his second goal shortly after the hour mark, and substitute Nico Williams sealed the result with a late goal, keeping Spain at the top of Group 3.

Player Ratings

• Goalkeeper & Defence
• Unai Simon - 6/10: Had a calm night with just two shots on target to deal with. He was beaten by Beljo’s header but remained composed and communicated well with his defense.
• Marc Pubill - 8/10: Outstanding going forward, stretching Croatia’s defense and scoring the crucial second goal. Defensively solid and active throughout.
• Pau Cubarsi - 7/10: Displayed maturity in handling physical challenges and kept the tempo high with accurate passing from the back.
• Dean Huijsen - 7/10: Reliable in the air and calm under pressure, preventing Croatia from creating clear chances.
• Marc Cucurella - 7/10: Energetic and balanced his attacking runs with defensive responsibility effectively.
• Midfield
• Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: The team’s engine in midfield, efficiently recycling possession and breaking up opposition plays before being subbed off.
• Fabian Ruiz - 7/10: Combined strength and skill well, maintaining control in advanced midfield areas until replaced by Pedri.
• Álex Baena - 8/10: Creative threat throughout, providing the assist for the opener and constantly troubling Croatia before his substitution.
• Fermin Lopez - 7/10: Worked hard and stayed disciplined tactically, unlucky not to score when hitting the post late in the first half.
• Attack
• Lamine Yamal - 10/10: A flawless display. Opened scoring early, set up Pubill’s goal, and netted a second to secure the win. Troubled Croatia’s defense all night.
• Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Led the line selflessly, creating space despite having a goal disallowed for offside.
• Substitutes & Manager
• Pedri - 8/10: Came on to instantly improve creativity, assisting Yamal’s second goal.
• Mikel Merino - 7/10: Added strength in midfield and assisted Williams’ late goal.
• Nico Williams - 8/10: Impactful substitute who scored a late goal after coming on.
• Victor Muñoz - 6/10: Provided fresh energy on the wing and nearly scored with a header.
• Rodri - 6/10: Offered experience and helped manage the game late on, taking the captain’s armband.
• Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: His tactics paid off perfectly, trusting youth and timing substitutions to great effect with assists and goals from his bench players.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League Matches

• Croatia vs England - 3 Oct 2026, 19:00
• Spain vs Czechia - 3 Oct 2026, 21:45