Lamine Yamal helped Spain create a record never seen before in the national team’s 106-year history after scoring inside the opening two minutes for the second consecutive match.
Spain create 106-year record after Yamal strikes early again
Spain created a unique piece of history in their 4-1 win over Croatia after Lamine Yamal scored another incredibly early goal.
The Barcelona star opened the scoring after just 70 seconds.
That came only days after he had also scored inside the opening two minutes against England at Wembley.
According to statistics reported after the Croatia match, Spain had never previously scored inside the first two minutes in two consecutive matches during their 106-year history.
Yamal scores after just 70 seconds
Spain made a flying start against Croatia.
Yamal needed only 70 seconds to find the net and give La Roja an early lead.
The winger received the ball in an attacking position and finished the move before Croatia had time to settle into the match.
It was even faster than his early goal against England in Spain’s previous Nations League game.
At Wembley, Yamal had scored after 104 seconds.
Spain achieve something never seen before
The two goals created a remarkable national-team record.
Spain have played international football for more than a century.
But never before had they scored inside the opening two minutes in two consecutive matches.
Yamal has now helped them achieve that for the first time in 106 years.
The statistic is even more unusual because the same player scored both goals.
Yamal opened the scoring against England and then repeated the feat against Croatia.
Yamal delivers another huge performance
The early goal was only the beginning of Yamal’s influence against Croatia.
The Barcelona winger went on to score again later in the match.
He also provided an assist as Spain completed a convincing 4-1 victory.
Yamal finished the game with two goals and one assist.
It was another outstanding performance from a player who continues to break records for club and country.
Second early goal in two matches
The sequence began against England at Wembley.
Yamal shocked the hosts by scoring after only 104 seconds.
That was already one of Spain’s quickest goals in recent international matches.
Then came the Croatia game.
This time, Yamal needed only 70 seconds.
The two goals came less than two minutes into consecutive matches, something Spain had never achieved before.
More history for Yamal
The 106-year record was not the only milestone connected to Yamal’s performance.
His two goals against Croatia also took him to 10 senior international goals for Spain.
That made him the youngest European player to reach the total since Harald Nielsen of Denmark in 1960.
Yamal also became the youngest Spain player to score at least two goals and provide an assist in the same match.
The previous record belonged to Raúl.
Spain continue dominant run
The victory over Croatia also continued Spain’s excellent form.
La Roja won the match 4-1 and extended their unbeaten run to 40 consecutive games.
That is another national-team record, but it is separate from the 106-year statistic created by Yamal’s early goal.
The 106-year milestone specifically refers to Spain scoring inside the opening two minutes in two consecutive matches.
Yamal becoming Spain’s main attacking threat
Yamal’s influence on Spain continues to grow.
His speed, dribbling and ability to score early have given opponents major problems.
Against England, he immediately changed the match.
Against Croatia, he did exactly the same thing again.
Few teams are able to settle into games when Spain have a player capable of creating danger from the first minute.
A record 106 years in the making
Spain have had many legendary teams and players throughout their history.
They have won major international trophies and produced some of the greatest footballers in Europe.
But this particular achievement had never happened before.
Two consecutive matches.
Two goals inside the opening two minutes.
And both scored by the same player.
Lamine Yamal has once again helped Spain create a record that had never been seen in 106 years of international football.
At his current rate, it may not be the last historic milestone he sets for La Roja.
