Zlatko Dalic’s team were easily sliced open by the Spanish, who are more purposeful under new boss De la Fuente than his predecessor Luis Enrique. They retain all the technical artistry but can be more direct.
Yamal, aged 16 years and 338 days old, produced a brilliant cross which was converted by Dani Carvajal for his first international goal.
Elsewhere, Switzerland battled their way to victory over Hungary as they made a winning start to their Euro 2024 campaign at Cologne Stadium.
Kwadwo Duah scored his first international goal, before Michel Aebischer doubled Switzerland’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
Barnabas Varga gave Hungary hope with 30 minutes left after the striker guided Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai’s brilliantly-weighted cross beyond Yann Sommer.
Substitute Breel Embolo clinched the three points in stoppage time with a lovely lobbed finish over Peter Gulacsi.