Mikel Merino’s Double Inspires Spain Comeback Win Over Croatia

Mikel Merino delivered another decisive contribution for Spain, coming off the bench at half-time to score twice in a comeback win over Croatia in Split. Ivan Perisic had put the home side ahead in front of 32,000 supporters, but Merino’s introduction for Alex Baena changed the course of a demanding away night.

Spain overcome early setback in Split

Croatia made a fast start and Perisic’s opener gave the hosts both the lead and further momentum in a stadium already charged by a partisan crowd. Spain struggled to create a route through a disciplined Croatian defence during the first half, prompting Luis de la Fuente to make his change at the interval.

Merino replaced Baena and immediately gave Spain a different attacking presence. The 30-year-old scored twice, with his second arriving in the 88th minute to settle the contest and secure the points for the visitors.

Merino extends his record as an impact player

The midfielder’s double added to a growing list of important substitute appearances for Spain. He has also scored after being introduced from the bench against Portugal, Belgium and Czechia during earlier international windows.

• Merino entered the match at half-time in place of Alex Baena.
• Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the first-half advantage.
• Merino scored both Spanish goals, including the late winner in the 88th minute.
• The match was played in Split before a crowd of 32,000.

Merino accepted that his role can be difficult, even as he continued to make a major difference for the national side. He said he was pleased to help again with goals from the bench, while admitting he wants more minutes. The midfielder added that he would continue to approach every opportunity positively because the Spain group feels like a family.

De la Fuente praises Spain’s match-winner

De la Fuente described it as a privilege to coach Merino and argued that the midfielder merits greater recognition. The Spain manager said Merino had again demonstrated why he would have taken him to the World Cup “in his arms”, adding that he hoped the player would be more appreciated at home.

Merino also pointed to the character required to recover after conceding first in such a hostile setting. He called it a difficult match in an intense stadium, with Croatia’s goal and the home support making the task harder. Spain, he said, kept fighting until the end rather than accepting the deficit.

For Merino, the goals represented a tangible return on the work he has put in away from matchdays. He said important goals are a significant reward, particularly when periods of hard work do not always bring immediate returns, and stressed that he was happiest that his contributions had helped the side win.

Arsenal selection question awaits

Merino will return to north London having strengthened his case for a larger role at Arsenal. He has appeared in all five of the club’s Premier League matches this season, although each of those league outings has come as a substitute.

Mikel Arteta has started him in cup football, where Merino scored against Ipswich in the Carabao Cup and also featured against Napoli in the Champions League. His latest display for Spain will only sharpen the debate over whether he should now receive a regular place in Arsenal’s starting line-up.