Spain, Madrid — World champions recover from early Croatia setback as Mikel Merino strikes twice to secure crucial Nations League victory
Spain secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice, completing a dramatic comeback against Croatia and extending the world champions’ impressive winning sequence under Luis de la Fuente.
Spain entered the contest seeking an 11th consecutive victory, carrying the confidence generated by a remarkable run of results since De la Fuente took charge. Croatia, however, quickly demonstrated that their previous heavy defeat had not damaged their competitive spirit.
The hosts took control of the opening stages and stunned Spain by taking the lead after 17 minutes. Ivan Perisic rose to meet the delivery inside the area, directing his header beyond the goalkeeper and giving Croatia a valuable advantage.
Perisic’s opener immediately changed the complexion of the contest, forcing Spain to respond against a Croatia side displaying considerably greater organisation and intensity than during their previous Nations League outing against England.
Croatia had suffered a damaging 7-0 defeat against England in their previous Nations League fixture, a result that raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Against Spain, however, they produced a much stronger response.
Their first-half performance earned recognition from supporters, with Croatia receiving a standing ovation at halftime. Spain had enjoyed possession and territory, but their opponents remained disciplined and succeeded in limiting the opportunities created by the European champions.
Spain returned from the interval with greater urgency, moving the ball more quickly and applying sustained pressure around the Croatian penalty area. De la Fuente’s side increasingly found spaces between the Croatian defensive lines as the match progressed.
The pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the 61st minute. Dani Olmo capitalised on a poor clearance before finding Merino, who had entered from the bench and calmly converted the opportunity to restore parity.
Merino’s introduction proved decisive for Spain, providing additional energy and attacking movement during a period when Croatia were beginning to retreat deeper. His first goal gave the visitors renewed belief and shifted momentum decisively towards the world champions.
Spain continued pushing for a second goal, with Lamine Yamal coming particularly close. The young forward produced another dangerous attempt, but his goalbound effort was blocked as Croatia desperately attempted to preserve their chances of taking something from the contest.
Croatia’s task became even more difficult when Perisic was dismissed late in the match. The experienced forward had already seen a powerful attempt saved before receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Spain defender Marc Cucurella.
Perisic’s dismissal left Croatia with little time to reorganise, and Spain immediately sensed an opportunity to complete the comeback. The numerical advantage allowed the visitors to increase pressure and search for the winning goal during the final minutes.
That decisive moment arrived two minutes before full-time, when Merino found the net again. The midfielder latched onto a superb pass from Arsenal teammate Martin Zubimendi before producing an excellent finish to complete Spain’s comeback.
Merino’s second goal transformed what had threatened to become an uncomfortable evening for Spain into another victory in their increasingly impressive campaign. The midfielder’s contribution also underlined the strength available to De la Fuente from his substitutes.
The connection between Merino and Zubimendi provided an important subplot to Spain’s late winner. Both players have developed significant experience at the highest level, while their Arsenal connection added another dimension to the decisive attacking move.
For Croatia, the defeat represented a painful ending to a match in which they had shown substantial improvement. Their first-half display offered encouragement, but the dismissal of Perisic ultimately left them vulnerable during the decisive closing stages.
Perisic had been central to Croatia’s performance, giving his side the lead and continuing to threaten Spain’s defence after the interval. His dismissal therefore proved particularly costly, arriving just when Croatia needed experience and attacking quality most.
Spain’s victory also maintained their position at the summit of League A, Group 3. The world champions moved three points clear of England, who strengthened their own campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
The result means Spain remain firmly in control of their group position as the Nations League campaign moves towards its decisive stages. Their ability to recover from setbacks could prove valuable as the competition becomes increasingly demanding.
De la Fuente will also be encouraged by the response of his substitutes. Merino changed the match after entering the contest, while Spain continued creating opportunities through Yamal, Olmo and other attacking players throughout the second half.
The victory further extends Spain’s extraordinary winning run, with the team now having achieved 11 consecutive victories. That sequence reflects the consistency established under De la Fuente and strengthens expectations surrounding Spain ahead of the knockout phase.
For Croatia, the immediate priority will be rebuilding after another difficult result. Nevertheless, their improved performance against Spain offered evidence that the side remains capable of competing with elite opposition when organisation and intensity remain high.
Spain ultimately demonstrated why they remain among the leading sides in international football. Croatia controlled important portions of the match and deserved credit for their resistance, but Spain’s quality and depth eventually proved decisive.
Merino emerged as the undisputed hero, turning the game around after Spain had struggled to break Croatia down. His two goals ensured the world champions avoided a major setback and advanced towards the Nations League quarter-finals.
With their place in the next stage secured, Spain can now look ahead with renewed confidence. The combination of experienced players, emerging talents and decisive substitutes has given De la Fuente another encouraging sign as the competition enters its crucial phase.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members