Spain reaches Nations League quarters as Merino scores twice vs Croatia

Spain secured a 2–1 victory against Croatia at Split to punch its ticket to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with two matches remaining in the group stage, as reported by Foot Mercato. Mikel Merino came off the bench at halftime to score both goals for La Roja, rescuing a sluggish Spanish side that had fallen behind early to an Ivan Perišić header.

Split Opening Half Puts Spain on the Back Foot

Playing their fourth match of the international window, Luis de la Fuente’s side struggled during an intense and physical opening thirty minutes. Croatia capitalized on early transitions, putting the reigning world champions under heavy pressure. In the 17th minute, Unai Simón parried a shot from Igor Matanović, allowing the 37-year-old Perišić to nod the rebound home for a 1–0 lead. Simón nearly gifted a second goal to Matanović following an errant clearance in the 24th minute, though the goalkeeper recovered to make a vital stop. Mateo Kovačić also threatened before the break as Croatia dominated the tempo, leaving the Spanish attack largely subdued.

Mikel Merino Transforms the Match as a Substitute

Following a tactical reset at the interval, Spain emerged with sharper intent. Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo began stretching the Croatian defense. The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute when a cleared cross fell to Olmo, who fed Merino. The substitute midfielder slotted a precise low shot across the goal into the far corner to make it 1–1. Croatia’s prospects worsened in the 80th minute when Perišić received his second yellow card following a foul on Marc Cucurella, earning an expulsion confirmed by VAR. With the hosts reduced to ten men, Merino struck again in the 90th minute, controlling a cross from Martin Zubimendi in the area before firing a decisive left-footed strike past Dominik Livaković to seal the 2–1 win.

Standings Implications Across the Nations League

Tuesday's results reshape the standings heading into the final two matchdays of the tournament. Spain sits atop Group 3 with four wins, guaranteeing safe passage to the knockout rounds regardless of the remaining fixtures.

Match Details and Lineups

Croatia lined up with Dominik Livaković in goal, protected by Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Vuskovic, and Joško Gvardiol. Kristijan Jakić and Mateo Kovačić anchored the midfield behind Nikola Vlašić, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Perišić, with Igor Matanović leading the attack. Spain deployed Unai Simón between the posts, with Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella across the back line. Rodri and Pedri started in central midfield behind Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal. Referee Erik Lambrechts of Belgium officiated the encounter.