Yamal’s Double Powers Spain Past Croatia to Historic 40-Match Unbeaten Run

Lamine Yamal scored twice and set up another goal as Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville in the UEFA Nations League, becoming the first international team to go 40 matches unbeaten, according to ANI.

The reigning European and World Cup champions led 2-1 at half-time before a second goal from Yamal and a curling finish from Nico Williams sealed an emphatic victory.

Yamal Takes Charge

Spain needed just two minutes to open the scoring. Marc Cucurella advanced down the left, Fermin Lopez helped build the move and Yamal fired past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Croatia drew level in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home an Ivan Perisic cross. Their relief lasted only three minutes.

Yamal turned provider, delivering a cross from the right for Marc Pubill to head Spain back into the lead. The hosts went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half brought a more competitive contest, but Spain extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Yamal beat Livakovic at the near post for his second goal, putting the hosts firmly in control.

Williams then completed the scoring with a right-footed effort that curled into the far corner.

‘He Always Puts His Football at the Service of the Group’

De la Fuente praised Yamal’s contribution to the team as much as his individual brilliance.

“I would highlight the work of Lamine Yamal both collectively and individually. He always puts his football at the service of the group. It is a stroke of luck that he is with us. He is a person who makes himself loved,” the coach said, according to quotes shared by the team’s official X account.

Despite the result and the unbeaten milestone, de la Fuente insisted Spain could improve further.

“I am a perfectionist, and I am convinced that there’s always room for improvement, and this group of players is convinced of that too. It is a very young team that has not yet reached its ceiling. I think there is still room for improvement,” he said.

The coach also thanked the Seville crowd for its support, describing the anthem before the match as “very moving”.

“This city could not be more loving towards us. Thank you from the heart,” he said.

With inputs from ANI