Croatia 1-2 Spain
Mikel Merino delivered a match-winning performance from the bench as Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 at Stadion Poljud in Split and secure an early place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Ivan Perišić gave Croatia a deserved lead in the 17th minute, but Merino changed the contest after entering at half-time. The midfielder equalised in the 61st minute before scoring a brilliant winner in the 88th, nine minutes after Perišić had been dismissed for a second yellow card.
The victory maintained Spain’s perfect record in League A Group A3, taking Luis de la Fuente’s side to 12 points from four matches. It was also Spain’s 11th consecutive victory and extended their overall unbeaten run to 42 matches.
Croatia Make a Fast Start in Split
Croatia entered the match determined to produce a response in front of their supporters, and the hosts immediately placed Spain under pressure.
Unai Simón made an important point-blank save to deny Josip Stanišić in the 13th minute, but the Spanish goalkeeper was beaten four minutes later.
Croatia launched a quick attack, with Igor Matanović forcing a save from Simón. The goalkeeper could only parry the shot into a dangerous area, allowing the experienced Perišić to react quickest and head the rebound into the net.
The goal gave Croatia a 1-0 lead and rewarded their aggressive opening.
Spain controlled possession but struggled to turn their passing into clear opportunities. Pedri and Lamine Yamal were unable to influence the contest as regularly as expected, while Croatia remained compact and dangerous on the counterattack.
The hosts nearly doubled their advantage after a loose pass from Simón was intercepted, but the goalkeeper recovered to deny Matanović. At the other end, Mikel Oyarzabal directed Spain’s first shot on target straight at Dominik Livaković shortly before half-time.
Yamal also found the side-netting after receiving an excellent pass from Pedri, but Croatia carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.
Mikel Merino Changes the Match
De la Fuente responded to Spain’s poor first-half performance by introducing Merino in place of Álex Baena at half-time.
The substitution proved decisive.
Merino gave Spain an additional physical presence around the penalty area and created space for Dani Olmo to operate from the left. Although Croatia initially continued to defend effectively, Spain gradually increased the tempo and forced the hosts deeper.
The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute.
Olmo recovered a loose ball inside the Croatian penalty area and found Merino in space. The midfielder remained composed, directing a controlled left-footed finish into the bottom corner beyond Livaković.
Merino’s equaliser completely changed the momentum of the game. Spain began to move the ball with greater speed, while Croatia found it increasingly difficult to escape their own half.
Perišić Sent Off After Scoring Croatia’s Goal
Croatia still carried a threat on the counterattack and nearly regained the lead following a mistake from substitute Martin Zubimendi.
Perišić collected the loose ball and fired towards goal, but Simón reacted quickly to make another important save.
Moments later, the Croatian goalscorer’s night took a dramatic turn. Already on a yellow card, Perišić brought down Marc Cucurella from behind and received his second booking in the 79th minute. The decision left Croatia with 10 players for the closing stages.
Spain immediately increased the pressure, moving the ball from side to side while searching for an opening in Croatia’s increasingly crowded defensive area.
Merino Scores a Brilliant Late Winner
With two minutes of normal time remaining, Merino appeared again.
Zubimendi delivered a precise ball into the penalty area, where Merino produced a sharp first touch to turn away from his marker. He then powered a left-footed shot into the top corner to complete Spain’s comeback.
The quality of the control and finish demonstrated why Merino has become one of De la Fuente’s most reliable attacking options, even when he does not start matches.
His two goals transformed a difficult away night into another memorable victory for La Roja. Merino has now scored six times as a substitute for Spain since the beginning of 2025, underlining his ability to influence matches from the bench.
Croatia vs Spain Match Statistics
Spain’s control of possession became increasingly clear as the match progressed. UEFA’s match statistics recorded 69% possession for Spain, alongside 694 completed passes and six corners. Croatia finished with 31% possession, 243 completed passes and three corners.
However, Croatia remained dangerous when they attacked, recording five shots on target compared with Spain’s three. Simón’s four saves were therefore crucial to the final result.
Final score: Croatia 1-2 Spain
Goals: Perišić 17’; Merino 61’, 88’
Red card: Perišić 79’
Venue: Stadion Poljud, Split
Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A Group A3
Player of the Match: Mikel Merino
Spain’s Bench Strength Sends a Warning
Spain were not at their fluent best, particularly during a first half in which Yamal and Pedri found little room to express themselves. However, the result demonstrated the depth available to De la Fuente.
Merino changed the game at half-time, while Zubimendi recovered from an earlier mistake to provide the pass for the winning goal. Spain’s ability to introduce experienced, technically gifted players without weakening the team remains one of their greatest strengths.
The match also showed that Spain can win in different ways. They were required to absorb pressure, recover from a defensive setback and remain patient against an organised opponent in a difficult away environment.
That resilience could prove extremely valuable during the knockout stage.
What the Result Means for Spain and Croatia
Spain’s fourth victory from four Group A3 matches officially secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Their next objective will be to finish the league phase strongly and confirm the best possible position ahead of the knockout draw.
For Croatia, the performance contained several positives despite the defeat. They unsettled Spain, created dangerous opportunities and defended effectively for long periods. However, Perišić’s dismissal and their inability to control Merino ultimately proved costly.
Spain leave Split with their winning streak intact, qualification secured and another reminder that their substitutes can be just as decisive as their starters.
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