Spain Crush Croatia 4-1: Lamine Yamal Shines with Perfect 10/10 Display

At the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, Spain dismantled Croatia 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League clash. The standout star was teenager Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and assisted once in a flawless performance.

Spain set the pace early, with Yamal opening the scoring just two minutes into the game, finishing off a cross from Álex Baena. Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home after Ivan Perisic's assist, leveling the match temporarily.

Spain bounced back quickly as Marc Pubill restored their lead three minutes later, heading in a corner delivered by Yamal to make it 2-1 at halftime. Spain controlled possession heavily in the second half (63.7%), stifling Croatia’s midfield. Yamal sealed his brace shortly after the hour mark, and substitute Nico Williams rounded off the win late, keeping Spain atop Group 3.

Goalkeeper and Defense

• Unai Simon - 6/10: The captain saw limited action, dealing with only two shots on target. He couldn’t prevent Beljo’s header but communicated well with his young defensive partners to maintain solidity.
• Marc Pubill - 8/10: Outstanding going forward, stretching Croatia’s defense and scoring Spain’s second goal. Defensively tough, helping limit Croatian chances.
• Pau Cubarsi - 7/10: Displayed maturity, managing physical threats and helping keep a high tempo with accurate passing.
• Dean Huijsen - 7/10: Reliable in the air and calm under pressure, thwarting most of Croatia’s attempts during brief possession spells.
• Marc Cucurella - 7/10: Energetic on overlaps, balanced attack and defense, preventing Croatia’s wide players from exploiting spaces behind.

Midfield

• Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: The midfield anchor, efficiently recycling possession and breaking up plays before being subbed off for Rodri in the 72nd minute.
• Fabian Ruiz - 7/10: Combined physicality and technique, effective in half-spaces before Pedri took over in the 57th minute.
• Álex Baena - 8/10: Creative and relentless, assisted the opening goal, constantly troubled Croatia’s defense despite a booking before his substitution in the 68th minute.
• Fermin Lopez - 7/10: Hard-working and disciplined, nearly scored with a powerful shot hitting the post before leaving for Mikel Merino in the 57th minute.

Attack

• Lamine Yamal - 10/10: Delivered a perfect display. Scored early, assisted Pubill’s goal, and added a second goal to kill the contest. Consistently troubled Josko Gvardiol and the Croatian left side before being replaced in the 68th minute.
• Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Played selflessly leading the line, created space for teammates though had a goal disallowed for offside.

Substitutes and Manager

• Pedri - 8/10: Came on at 57 minutes, immediately boosted creativity and set up Yamal’s second goal.
• Mikel Merino - 7/10: Added toughness in midfield and assisted Nico Williams’ late goal.
• Nico Williams - 8/10: Impactful substitute, scored a brilliant goal in the 89th minute to finish the scoring.
• Victor Muñoz - 6/10: Brought fresh energy on the wing, nearly scored with a header after coming on.
• Rodri - 6/10: Took over from Zubimendi in the final minutes, steadied the team and wore the captain’s armband.
• Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: His tactical choices paid off, trusting young defenders and unleashing Yamal’s talent. Substitutions were perfectly timed, all contributing to a commanding victory.