Spain and Croatia both won their opening UEFA Nations League matches. The top two sides in League A, Group C clash at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Tuesday.

Light changes expected from Spain after another win

A 3-2 road victory against England marked Spain’s return to action following their 2026 World Cup triumph. Luis de la Fuente’s side looked more vulnerable than was the case in the summer, but a strong second-half showing still delivered three points.

La Roja will opt for some light alterations from the team that started at Wembley. Álex Baena should return on the left flank, after coming on to score and assist. He’s enjoying a great season so far, having also registered five goal contributions in seven outings in La Liga.

Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal could also come into the side. Eric García has pulled out of the squad due to a knee injury, with Robin Le Normand called up to provide defensive depth.

Spain predicted lineup vs Croatia (4-2-3-1): Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

Modrić still going strong for Croatia at 41

Croatia looked back to the future by appointing their former coach Slaven Bilić as the replacement for the long-serving Zlatko Dalić this summer. A 2-1 victory away to Czechia was a positive start to Bilić’s second spell.

The 58-year-old can still count on the services of a player he worked with throughout his first stint in the job between 2006 and 2012. Luka Modrić scored the opening goal in Prague last time out, his 30th strike in 203 appearances for his country.

The visitors are hampered by injuries to Josip Juranović and Martin Erlić. They may make changes in the attacking positions on Tuesday. Ante Budimir, Mario Pašalić, Marco Pašalić and Andrej Kramarić are among those pushing for starting roles.

Croatia predicted lineup vs Spain (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišić, Vušković, Gvardiol, Perišić; Modrić, Kovačić; Marco Pašalić, P. Sučić, Ivanović; Budimir.

Spain vs Croatia Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Spain to score over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.27 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Spain 2-1 Croatia
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 571N6

Key stats:

  • Spain have scored 16 times across the previous five meetings between these nations.
  • Croatia have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 matches.
  • La Roja have netted nine unanswered goals across their past two home Nations League fixtures against Croatia.

Defensive flaws have let Croatia down this year, with four of their past eight games ending in defeat. Whenever they’ve faced elite international sides, their backline has been regularly breached. They’ve conceded at least twice against Brazil, England, Belgium and Portugal in 2026.

Spain have all of their key attacking players from the World Cup available. They averaged 1.75 goals per game at that tournament, having also struck 21 times in six qualifying outings last autumn. Backing the hosts to net over 1.5 goals is a safe pick in this fixture.

Spain vs Croatia Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Lamine Yamal to score a goal including substitutions
  • Odds: 2.023 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: VPBN6

Lamine Yamal has been in fantastic form for Barcelona. The teenager has scored seven times in seven league outings this season. He’s averaging 5.4 shots per game in the Spanish top flight.

After scoring in just the second minute against England at the weekend, Yamal offers value at odds of 2.023 to register his ninth international goal on Tuesday night.

Verdict: Spain to score over 1.5 goals (1.27) — Spain 2-1 Croatia