Mikel Merino scored twice as Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 and qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Ivan Perišić gave Croatia a deserved 17th-minute lead. Merino equalised after 61 minutes and struck again following Perišić’s second-yellow dismissal.
The victory maintained Spain’s perfect campaign and secured a quarter-final place with two matches remaining.
Croatia vs Spain match details
| Match information | Details |
| Result | Croatia 1-2 Spain |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League, League A Group 3 |
| Date | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 |
| Venue | Stadion Poljud, Split |
| Attendance | 32,690 |
| Croatia scorer | Ivan Perišić, 17 minutes |
| Spain scorer | Mikel Merino, 61 and 88 minutes |
The official UEFA Croatia versus Spain match centre provides team and match information.
Croatia punish Spain’s uncertain start
Croatia entered under pressure after losing 7-0 to England. Slaven Bilić’s players responded with aggression, compact organisation and direct transitions.
Perišić’s early cross found Josip Stanišić and forced Unai Simón into an important save. Croatia threatened again after 17 minutes.
Mateo Kovačić drove the break before Igor Matanović tested Simón. The goalkeeper parried the effort, allowing Perišić to head Croatia in front.
Spain dominated possession without controlling the contest. Croatia’s midfield denied central space, while Dominik Livaković handled the limited first-half threat.
Croatia’s narrow shape forced Spain towards the wings, where crosses were easier to defend. Modrić and Kovačić also protected possession, slowing the match whenever the hosts needed relief and preventing Spain from building pressure before halftime.
Merino transforms Spain after halftime
Luis de la Fuente replaced Álex Baena with Merino at halftime, giving Spain another penalty-area runner.
Spain passed faster and pushed Croatia deeper. Lamine Yamal threatened from the right, while Dani Olmo moved closer to goal.
A Croatian clearance fell to Olmo, who drew defenders before finding Merino. His controlled left-footed finish beat Livaković.
Croatia remained dangerous. A misplaced Martín Zubimendi pass gave Perišić another chance, but Simón saved. Perišić then fouled Marc Cucurella and received a second yellow card.
Spain exploited the numerical advantage. Zubimendi found Merino, who controlled, turned and drove the 88th-minute winner beyond Livaković.
Croatia vs Spain statistics
| Statistic | Croatia | Spain |
| Possession | 27% | 73% |
| Total shots | 10 | 10 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 3 | 6 |
| Passes attempted | 298 | 778 |
| Pass accuracy | 78% | 89% |
| Fouls | 12 | 10 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red cards | 1 | 0 |
Spain’s 73 per cent possession and 778 passes demonstrate territorial control, but Croatia matched their ten shots and produced more on target. Simón’s saves and Merino’s finishing proved decisive.
Why Merino changed the match
Merino attacked spaces beyond Croatia’s midfield, supported the forward and arrived inside the box at the correct moments.
His equaliser rewarded intelligent movement, while the winner combined control, strength and technique. His influence also created room for Olmo and Yamal.
De la Fuente’s intervention showed Spain can change games without abandoning possession. They added purposeful movement around the penalty area.
What the result means
Spain lead Group A3 with 12 points from four victories. England are second with nine, Croatia remain third with three, and Czechia are bottom without a point.
The result sends Spain into the quarter-finals. UEFA reported that it extended their unbeaten sequence to 43 matches.
Croatia improved after their record England defeat, but qualification is now extremely difficult. They meet England again in November.
Spain’s remaining fixtures against Czechia and England will determine their group position. Croatia, meanwhile, must recover quickly. Their heavy goal difference means results alone may not be enough if qualification becomes a three-team calculation in November.
What it means for Ugandan supporters
The match showed Ugandan fans how a tactical substitution can transform a contest. Merino decided it without Spain changing their identity.
Ugandan Premier League followers know Arsenal’s Merino, while Barcelona supporters watched Yamal, Pedri and Olmo contribute. Manchester City fans followed Rodri.
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kickoff suited viewers in homes, hostels and sports bars.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Croatia versus Spain?
Spain won 2-1 after recovering from a one-goal halftime deficit.
Who scored the goals?
Perišić scored for Croatia, while halftime substitute Merino scored both Spanish goals.
Why was Perišić sent off?
He received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cucurella.
Did Spain qualify for the quarter-finals?
Yes. Spain reached 12 points from four victories and secured progression with two matches remaining.
Where can supporters watch the highlights?
The official UEFA website provides a video highlights package.
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Conclusion
Croatia restored pride with a threatening first half, but Perišić’s dismissal weakened their resistance.
Spain demonstrated resilience, squad depth and tactical flexibility. Merino’s outstanding contribution turned an uncomfortable night into a fourth consecutive victory and confirmed Spain’s place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
