Spain have made a rapid start against Croatia and once again, Lamine Yamal has been at the centre of almost everything, with the score 2-1 to the world champions heading towards half-time.

Yamal opened the scoring inside the opening 90 seconds, the fastest goal of the 2026-27 Nations League so far.

He combined with Alex Baena and, after Fermin Lopez’ dummy helped create the opening, calmly swept the ball into the far corner with his trademark left foot.

He has since added an assist for Marc Pubill’s 31st-minute header. Yamal played a short corner to Fermin, received it back and floated a cross into the box for Pubill to power home.

That means the Barcelona winger has one goal and one assist, days after scoring in the 3-2 win over England.

He has also been heavily involved beyond the numbers. In the 20th minute, Yamal nearly picked out Mikel Oyarzabal with a clipped pass from the right, while Spain have repeatedly looked to him as they keep Croatia pinned back.

Croatia briefly levelled through Dion Beljo after Ivan Perisic delivered an excellent cross, but Spain remain in the driving seat thanks to Yamal’s efforts.

It coincides with his push to win the Ballon d’Or, which looks like a shootout between him and England captain Harry Kane.

The award will be decided next month at the London Palladium.