Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring for Spain in the Nations League

Lamine Yamal Leads Spain to a Perfect Nations League Start

Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring for Spain in the Nations League
Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring as Spain maintain their perfect start to the Nations League.

Lamine Yamal Leads Spain to a Perfect Nations League Start

Spain have made a perfect start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, winning all three of their opening Group A3 matches against England, Croatia and Czechia. At the centre of that impressive run is Lamine Yamal, who has scored in every game and already has four goals in the competition.

The 19-year-old forward opened the scoring in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Czechia on Saturday, following goals in the wins against England and Croatia. UEFA’s latest statistics place Yamal among the joint-leading scorers of the Nations League, level with England’s Harry Kane and Finland’s Leo Walta on four goals.

For Spain, the results mean nine points from nine, 10 goals scored and four conceded. They are top of Group A3, ahead of England, Croatia and Czechia, and have become the first Spanish side to begin a Nations League campaign with three consecutive victories.

Spain’s winning start

The campaign began with one of Spain’s toughest possible away assignments.

At Wembley, Luis de la Fuente’s side came from behind to beat England 3-2. Yamal gave Spain the lead after only two minutes, stealing possession before finishing the move himself. England responded through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, but Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal completed the Spanish comeback.

Four days later, Spain returned home and produced an even more convincing performance against Croatia.

Yamal needed just 70 seconds to score his first goal of the night at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. After Croatia equalised, Marc Pubill restored Spain’s lead before Yamal struck again in the second half. Nico Williams added a fourth late on to complete a 4-1 victory.

The third match brought another win, although Czechia made Spain work for it.

Yamal again opened the scoring with a curling finish in the early stages. Rodri then doubled Spain’s advantage before Jiří Sláma pulled one back for the visitors. Czechia’s hopes of a comeback disappeared after captain Ladislav Krejčí was sent off, with substitute Mikel Merino eventually sealing a 3-1 Spanish victory.

Spain after three matches

StatisticSpain
Matches3
Wins3
Draws0
Defeats0
Goals scored10
Goals conceded4
Points9
Group position1st
Yamal goals4

The numbers underline the strength of the opening. Spain have not simply collected points; they have scored freely while remaining at the top of a group containing England and Croatia.

Yamal’s influence goes beyond the goals

Yamal’s scoring record is the headline, but his importance to Spain is broader than his four goals.

Against England, his early strike immediately changed the tone of the match. Against Croatia, he scored twice and supplied the assist for Pubill’s goal. Against Czechia, his early finish once again gave Spain control of the match.

His ability to create danger from the right side gives Spain another route through defensive blocks. That complements a midfield built around players such as Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz, while allowing Spain’s other attackers to find spaces around him.

Luis de la Fuente has also stressed the collective value of Yamal rather than treating him simply as an individual star. After the Croatia victory, the Spain coach praised the forward’s ability to put his individual talent at the service of the team.

That distinction matters. Spain’s current success is not based on one player carrying the side. Yamal is providing decisive moments, but the team continues to produce goals from several positions.

A stronger position in Group A3

Spain’s nine points put them firmly in control of Group A3 after three rounds.

England sit second on six points, while Croatia have three and Czechia remain without a point. Spain have also established a six-point advantage over Croatia, who suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat to England in the third round.

The next meeting with Croatia will therefore be particularly interesting. Spain travel to face Croatia on 6 October, giving the group leaders an opportunity to strengthen their position even further.

There is also a wider statistical marker behind Spain’s excellent start: UEFA reports that this is their tenth consecutive victory in the Nations League.

What makes this Spain side difficult to stop?

Three characteristics stand out from the opening matches.

1. Fast starts

Spain have repeatedly taken the initiative early. Yamal has scored the opening goal in all three Nations League matches, giving Spain an advantage before their opponents can settle into the game.

2. Multiple attacking threats

Yamal has four goals, but Spain’s goals have also come from Baena, Oyarzabal, Pubill, Nico Williams, Rodri and Merino. That variety makes it harder for opponents to focus exclusively on Yamal.

3. The ability to respond to pressure

The Wembley match showed Spain can recover after losing control of the scoreline. Against Croatia and Czechia, they also responded effectively when opponents threatened to change the momentum.

Those qualities suggest that Spain’s perfect record is not simply the product of favourable circumstances. There is a clear structure behind the results.

Our assessment

Spain’s opening three matches provide strong evidence that the team remains one of Europe’s leading international sides. The nine-point start is impressive on its own, but the combination of attacking variety, resilience and Yamal’s individual impact makes the performance more significant.

Yamal’s four goals naturally attract the most attention. Yet the most encouraging sign for Spain may be that his brilliance is being integrated into an already strong collective rather than replacing it.

The challenge now is consistency. The Nations League group is not decided after three games, and Spain still have three fixtures remaining. The next test against Croatia will show whether the team can maintain the intensity and attacking efficiency that have defined the opening phase.

For now, though, Spain have maximum points, top spot and a young attacking star producing at exactly the right moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals has Lamine Yamal scored in the Nations League campaign?

Yamal has scored four goals after Spain’s first three matches, putting him level with Harry Kane and Leo Walta at the top of the competition’s scoring chart.

How many points does Spain have?

Spain have nine points after winning all three of their opening Group A3 matches.

Who has Spain beaten in the Nations League?

Spain have defeated England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and Czechia 3-1 in their opening three matches.

When is Spain’s next Nations League match?

Spain’s next match is away against Croatia on 6 October.

Is this Spain’s first three-win start to a Nations League campaign?

Yes. UEFA states that Spain have begun a Nations League campaign with three consecutive victories for the first time.

Official Sources

 

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