Croatia vs spain

On 5 October 2026, Spain defeated Croatia 1-0 in a tightly contested UEFA Nations League fixture held at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. The match, which served as a pivotal encounter in the group stage, was decided by a clinical strike from Spanish forward Lamine Yamal in the 72nd minute. Despite Croatia dominating possession for large stretches of the second half and creating several high-quality chances, the Spanish defense remained resolute, anchored by a standout performance from goalkeeper David Raya. Croatia’s captain, Luka Modrić, orchestrated the midfield with his trademark precision, but the home side struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. The result leaves Spain at the top of their group, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the tournament finals. For Croatia, the loss marks a frustrating setback in their campaign, though manager Zlatko Dalić praised his team's tactical discipline and intensity. Both teams are now looking ahead to their final group matches scheduled for next month, which will determine the ultimate standings in this competitive international cycle.