Merino Double Sends Spain Past Croatia in Nations League

Oct 07, 2026 · 1 min read · 589 views

Spain came from behind to defeat Croatia 2–1 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring twice in the second half to secure a dramatic victory at Stadion Poljud. The win kept Spain at the top of League A, Group 3, and confirmed their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. It also extended the world champions’ unbeaten run to 42 matches,

Spain improved after the break, and coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to introduce Mikel Merino proved decisive. The Arsenal midfielder equalised in the 61st minute after Dani Olmo capitalised on a poor clearance and supplied the pass for Merino to finish from inside the area.

The equaliser shifted momentum towards Spain. Lamine Yamal came close to putting the visitors ahead when his shot was blocked, while Croatia continued to threaten on the counterattack.

Croatia’s task became more difficult in the 79th minute when Perišić was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella. The dismissal left the hosts with 10 men for the closing stages.

Spain completed the comeback two minutes before the end of normal time. Merino connected with a precise pass from fellow Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi and produced a composed left-footed finish to make it 2–1.

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Merino Double Sends Spain Past Croatia in Nations League

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