Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split on Tuesday. Mikel Merino scored twice to help the reigning champions secure a spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Croatia took the lead with a goal from Ivan Perišić in the 17th minute. But Spain fought back after the break, with Merino equalising in the 61st minute.
Merino struck again in the 88th minute, sealing the victory for Spain. Martín Zubimendi assisted the winner by lifting the ball into the box for Merino, who brought it down and shot past Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
Croatia was down to 10 men in the 79th minute when Perišić received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella. The red card was confirmed after a VAR review.
Even though Croatia created several chances and pressed Spain for a long time, the visitors bounced back strongly in the second half. This win also secured Spain's qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Croatia seemed close to a famous win after Perišić's early goal. But Spain's pressure in the second half changed the game in their favour.
Spain continued their perfect start to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. They had already won their first three Group A3 matches, beating England 3-2, Croatia 4-1, and Czechia 3-1, putting them at the top of the group with nine points.
On the other hand, Croatia won their opening match 2-1 against Czechia before suffering heavy defeats to Spain and England, losing 4-1 and 7-0 respectively.
Ivan Perišić scored first for Croatia, but Mikel Merino's two goals, including the last-minute winner, turned the match around for Spain. This result marked Spain's fourth straight win and confirmed their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
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