Lamine Yamal scores ‘masterpiece’ after Spain make 26-touch move against Croatia

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Spain against Croatia with a remarkable move involving 26 touches in 70 seconds in their second Nations League match.

The Barcelona forward finished the attack in the second minute, producing another early goal after Spain had beaten England 3-2 in their opening game. Yamal also scored Spain’s first goal in that match in the second minute.

Spanish newspaper AS described the effort as a “masterpiece after 26 touches in 70 seconds”, with Spain controlling the ball throughout an elaborate move before Yamal applied the finish.

Croatia’s first touch of the ball after conceding was the restart from kick-off, underlining the extent of Spain’s dominance during the attack.

The match at the Sanchez Pizjuan began with Spain displaying Luis de la Fuente’s high-intensity, possession-based style. The hosts required only one minute to impose their approach on the game and create an early advantage.

The goal was Yamal’s fastest in the Nations League so far, surpassing the effort he scored at Wembley. It also provided further evidence of Spain’s attacking quality, with the world champions continuing to pursue both victory and an attractive style of football despite having already lifted the biggest trophy in the game.

The goal was shared by beIN SPORTS on 29 September 2026 in a video post showing Yamal putting Spain ahead early against Croatia.