De la Fuente hails Lamine Yamal's magic after Spain's 4-1 win over Croatia

Spain delivered a complete performance at the Sánchez Pizjuán and Luis de la Fuente was full of praise. The 4-1 win over Croatia in the second round of the Nations League group stage featured a memorable display from Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and added an assist, and an atmosphere the head coach thanked the Seville crowd for from the very start.

• Spain beat Croatia 4-1 at the Sánchez Pizjuán in their second Nations League group stage match.
• Lamine Yamal scored twice and assisted Marc Pubill.
• Luis de la Fuente thanked Seville for the welcome and the atmosphere during the game.
• The head coach highlighted the team's ambition and its ability to control matches.
• De la Fuente valued Yamal's collective work above his individual brilliance.

Lamine Yamal leads Spain's rout against Croatia

The Barcelona winger once again showed why he is one of the national team's key figures. Against Croatia he produced an outstanding performance with two goals and an assist to Pubill, playing a decisive role in the victory. De la Fuente, who rarely likes to single out individuals, made a special point of talking about him after the match.

He puts all his talent at the service of the team. The squad genuinely loves him and we are delighted to have him. Today we enjoyed his magic in the service of the team, and that makes him an even better player.

The head coach underlined the player's naturalness and humility, qualities he believes help him grow every day. He also suggested that in the future Yamal will be recognised even more for his contribution to the collective game than for his individual moments of brilliance.

Spain dominate with authority from the first minute

De la Fuente praised the team's overall performance, which kept control of the match throughout the ninety minutes. In his analysis, the first half could have ended with a much bigger lead given the number of chances created, while the second half followed the same script despite the physical toll.

The Rioja-born coach noted that the opposition was a top-level side with a very solid defence and real strength in the air. That is why he demanded total concentration from his players in every phase of the game.

Ball circulation, the key to Spain's success

The head coach identified ball circulation, dominance and game control as his team's greatest strengths. That ability to dictate the tempo was crucial in neutralising Croatia and creating numerical advantages in attack.

The group's hunger is another aspect he wanted to highlight. Spain, winners of the last Nations League edition, keep showing match after match their desire to improve and maintain the competitive level that has made them one of the most feared national teams in world football.

Seville delivers a spectacular atmosphere

The Sánchez Pizjuán lived a special night. De la Fuente thanked both the welcome given to the team and the atmosphere during the match, backing he described as sensational and which contributed to the win. The national team returned to Seville and the city responded with total commitment.

The stadium has become a regular venue for Spain's matches, and once again it proved its connection with the national side in an official Nations League fixture.

What this win means for Spain in the Nations League

With this victory, Spain add another three points in the group stage and strengthen their position in the race to defend the title they won in 2023. De la Fuente's team maintain their competitive rhythm and show that the project remains very much alive despite generational changes.

The performances of players like Lamine Yamal also confirm that the future is in safe hands. The national team blends experience and youth with immediate results, a balance De la Fuente manages with natural ease.