Lamine Yamal stars as Spain beat Croatia 4-1 to go top of Nations League group

Spain continued their impressive start to the UEFA Nations League with a convincing 4-1 victory over Croatia at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville on Tuesday.

The result leaves Spain alone at the top of Group C with six points from two matches, while Croatia remain third on three points, behind England on goal difference.

Spain made the ideal start when Lamine Yamal opened the scoring before two minutes had been played. La Roja dominated possession in the early stages and quickly established control of the contest.

Croatia responded in the 28th minute when Dion Beljo headed in an accurate cross from Ivan Perisic to make it 1-1.

The equaliser briefly gave Croatia renewed momentum, but Spain restored their advantage only three minutes later. Marc Pubill put the hosts back in front in the 31st minute after Spain continued to apply pressure.

Spain retained the lead at half-time and remained the more dangerous side after the interval.

Yamal then added his second goal of the evening and Spain’s third in the 63rd minute. Receiving a clever pass from Pedri, the forward moved into the penalty area before finishing from a tight angle to extend his side’s advantage.

Croatia were unable to find a response as Spain maintained their attacking pressure. Nico Williams completed the scoring in the 89th minute, adding a fourth goal that confirmed another emphatic victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

The win strengthens Spain’s position at the summit after their success against England in the previous round.

England sit second in the group with three points, level with Croatia but ahead on goal difference. The Czech Republic are fourth without a point.