Mikel Merino’s Late Double Keeps Spain Perfect in Nations League
Spain preserved their perfect Nations League record with a 2-1 win over Croatia in Split, recovering from an early setback through Mikel Merino’s second-half double. The Arsenal midfielder entered at the break and scored in the 61st and 88th minutes as Luis de la Fuente’s side made it four wins from four in Group 3.
What changed for Spain
Croatia had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Ivan Perisic converted after Igor Matanovic created the opening. Spain controlled the ball for 72 per cent of the contest but initially found little room against a deep Croatian 4-5-1 shape.
The hosts defended their penalty area fiercely, registering 21 clearances, and Spain’s front line struggled to produce clear openings before half-time. Alex Baena was withdrawn at the interval, with Merino’s arrival adding a more direct threat from midfield.
Dani Olmo supplied the pass for Merino to level matters on 61 minutes. De la Fuente then introduced Martin Zubimendi and Fermin Lopez for Rodri in the 71st minute, while Victor Munoz replaced Lamine Yamal seven minutes later. Zubimendi went on to create Merino’s decisive goal two minutes from time.
Perisic’s late dismissal for a second yellow card further weakened Croatia’s resistance, although Spain had already increased their pressure. Yeremy Pino came on in the 87th minute to help protect the lead, while Munoz was booked in stoppage time.
- Merino scored twice after replacing Baena at half-time.
- Olmo registered the equalising assist, with Zubimendi setting up the winner.
- Rodri captained Spain before his 71st-minute substitution; Pedri left the field in the 87th minute.
- Unai Simon made four saves as Croatia threatened principally on counter-attacks.
Competition context
The result keeps Spain flawless in Nations League Group 3 after four consecutive victories. Their territorial control was clear in Split, though Croatia remained dangerous when breaking forward and finished with a 1.17 expected-goals figure.
Spain’s defence limited the home side to five shots on target. Aymeric Laporte provided experience in a high defensive line, while Pau Cubarsi’s passing helped move the visitors through Croatia’s compact midfield. Marc Cucurella and Marc Pubill supplied width from full-back, with Pubill also tasked with containing Perisic before the Croatian scorer’s dismissal.
Rodri and Pedri retained possession against a Croatia midfield featuring Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, but the decisive alteration came from the bench. Merino’s runs into the box gave Spain the presence they had lacked around Mikel Oyarzabal, whose movement had worked hard without yielding many direct chances. Yamal was regularly met by multiple defenders before making way in the second half.
De la Fuente’s changes reshaped the match: Merino’s two goals, Zubimendi’s late assist and the introduction of fresh midfield legs turned Spain’s dominance into a comeback victory.
What is scheduled next
Spain’s next Nations League fixture was not specified, but they will move into it with their Group 3 winning run intact. The immediate selection question is whether Merino’s match-winning display earns him a starting place after his two-goal intervention in Split.
De la Fuente will also assess the balance of his midfield following the replacements of Rodri and Pedri, while Olmo’s creative contribution and Zubimendi’s composed late role strengthened Spain’s options after a demanding away win.
