Football fans thought Spain's golden generation would eventually fade. They were wrong.
Fresh off lifting the World Cup in July, La Roja returned to home soil in Seville on Tuesday night and put on a clinic. They dismantled Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League, extending their European record unbeaten streak to an astonishing 40 matches. At the heart of it all was Lamine Yamal. Don't miss our recent coverage on this related article.
If you're wondering how a teenager continues to dictate matches against elite international opposition, you aren't alone. Yamal isn't just a bright prospect anymore. He’s the terrifying reality of modern wing play.
The Seville Masterclass
The fixture started with a reminder of Spain's recent dominance. Rodri paraded the World Cup trophy before kickoff, soaking in the roar of the crowd. But the nostalgia faded the moment the whistle blew. To read more about the context here, CBS Sports provides an excellent summary.
Just two minutes in, Yamal struck. Alex Baena slipped a clever ball into the danger area, Fermin Lopez dummied it cleanly, and Yamal curled a ruthless, first-time low shot inside the far post. It was vintage Spain—clinical, fast, and entirely overwhelming.
Croatia tried to respond. They aren't a side built to roll over. Dion Beljo clawed an equalizer back in the 28th minute with a well-taken header that briefly stunned the Estadio de Cartuja. For a moment, cracks showed in the Spanish defense.
Spain didn't panic. They rarely do.
Within three minutes of conceding, Yamal whipped a venomous cross onto the head of Marc Pubill, who powered past Dominik Livakovic to restore the lead.
Why This Spanish Side Is Different
Under previous managers, Spain could sometimes pass opponents into a state of boredom. They dominated possession, hoarded the ball, and starved the opponent of rhythm.
This iteration is different. They kill you with speed.
Yamal's second goal in the 63rd minute proved the point. Pedri slipped a neat pass into the box, and Yamal didn't hesitate. He took a sharp touch and rifled a shot home from an impossible tight angle.
By the time substitute Nico Williams hammered home the fourth goal in the 89th minute, the contest had long turned into a training exercise.
Croatia had no answers for the relentless pace coming from the flanks. When you combine veterans who know how to manage tempo with teenagers who play without fear, you get a machine that rarely stalls.
Spain's unbeaten run sits at 40 games. Nobody in Europe has an answer for them right now. Stop betting against them.
