Merino Scores Brace as Spain Come from Behind to Win Over Croatia

Key Takeaways:

• Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia, claiming their first away win in the country on their third attempt
• Mikel Merino came off the bench to score both Spanish goals after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia an early lead
• Croatia suffered back-to-back defeats despite a spirited performance, finishing the match with ten men after Perisic’s late sending off

Match Overview

Spain battled back from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in an enthralling UEFA Nations League encounter, with Mikel Merino’s double ensuring La Roja’s first away success in Croatia at the third time of asking. The result consolidates Spain’s position at the top of Group A3, making it four wins from four.

Final whistle: @SEFutbol celebrates a 2:1 comeback victory in Split. 🇭🇷🇪🇸 #CROESP #NationsLeague

#HrabarBroj | #PokažiSrce | #Family | #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 https://t.co/LJSY1JFl4v

— HNS (@HNSfamily) October 6, 2026

First Half: Croatia Strike First

Still reeling from a record 7-0 defeat to England on Saturday, Slaven Bilic’s Croatian side responded strongly, taking the lead in the 17th minute. Mateo Kovacic delivered a pinpoint pass to Igor Matanovic; although Unai Simon blocked Matanovic’s initial effort, Ivan Perisic pounced to head home the rebound and put the hosts ahead.

Spain’s typically robust defence showed signs of vulnerability, as Simon’s loose pass was picked up by Nikola Vlasic, almost leading to a second Croatian goal. However, Simon made amends with a crucial save to deny Matanovic.

Despite being unsettled by Croatia’s lively display, Spain nearly equalised twice in the dying moments of the first half through Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal, who both came close to restoring parity going into the break.

Spain’s Response and Merino’s Impact

The momentum shifted after half-time, with Spain threatening immediately — Dani Olmo’s diving header narrowly missed connecting with Lamine’s cross. In the 61st minute, the visitors finally found their deserved equaliser: Merino, introduced as a substitute at the interval, finished clinically with his left foot after Josip Stanisic’s clearing header was intercepted and deftly played in by Olmo.

Spain pushed for the lead, with Lamine’s deflected effort just missing the target. But their defensive frailties re-emerged when Martin Zubimendi’s errant pass gifted Perisic another opportunity, though Unai Simon again denied the Croatian forward.

Moments later, Perisic’s eventful evening ended abruptly as the 37-year-old was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving Croatia to see out the final stages with ten men.

Late Drama: Merino Delivers Decisive Blow

As Croatia looked set to secure a share of the spoils despite their numerical disadvantage, Spain found a winner just before stoppage time. Zubimendi set up Merino, who showed complete composure to take the ball in his stride and smash an unstoppable left-footed effort past Dominik Livakovic, sending the Spanish bench into raptures.

Group A3 Standings and Player of the Match

With this result, Spain remain firmly in control of Group A3, having won all four of their matches so far. Croatia, meanwhile, are left to rue consecutive defeats, although they will take solace from their improved performance following their heavy loss to England.