Merino’s Late Double Sends Spain into Nations League Quarter-finals
Mikel Merino delivered a decisive second-half intervention as Spain recovered from an early setback to beat Croatia 2-1 at Stadion Poljud, securing their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The Arsenal midfielder replaced Alex Baena at the interval and scored twice, including an 88th-minute volley that completed the turnaround in Split.
Spain recover in Split
Croatia had put Spain under pressure by taking the lead in front of a home crowd of 32,000, leaving Luis de la Fuente’s side behind during a match for the first time since June 2024. Spain responded after the break, with Merino’s introduction changing the balance of their attacking play.
The 29-year-old drew Spain level in the 61st minute before producing the winning moment late on. His second goal, a finely struck volley in the 88th minute, settled a demanding contest and denied Croatia a result in their own stadium.
Merino makes his case
Merino said the conditions in Croatia had made the result particularly significant, with Spain needing to overcome both the opening goal and the intensity generated by the home support.
“It was a very difficult match in a hard stadium, with an incredible atmosphere,” Merino said. “We knew it would be tough to come here. When they scored first and the supporters got behind them, it became even harder.”
He credited Spain’s resilience for the late win, adding that the squad continued to fight until the final stages and was rewarded with all three points.
- Merino entered at half-time in place of Alex Baena.
- His equaliser arrived in the 61st minute.
- He struck the winner with two minutes of normal time remaining.
- Spain’s unbeaten sequence now stands at 43 matches.
Group A3 qualification confirmed
The victory keeps Spain perfect at the summit of Group A3 and guarantees their passage to the Nations League’s quarter-final stage. De la Fuente’s team had not trailed during a match since June 2024, making their recovery in Split another notable test of their recent run.
| Spain result | Key outcome |
|---|---|
| Croatia 1-2 Spain | Qualified for Nations League quarter-finals |
| 43 matches unbeaten | Maintained top place in Group A3 |
Final group match ahead
Spain will complete their group-stage schedule against the Czech Republic in December before turning their attention to the knockout rounds. Merino, meanwhile, said his recent goals are a welcome reward for the work he has put in both on and off the pitch.
“Important goals mean a great deal to me,” he said. “They are a reward for a lot of work. There are times when you work hard without seeing that reward, but at the moment it is arriving through goals. I am happy not just to score, but to contribute to the team.”
