Mikel Merino leads Spain's comeback in Split

In Split, journalist and footballer Mikel Merino became Spain's hero by scoring two goals, the first in the 61st minute and the second in the 88th, overturning a 0‑1 deficit that the Croatian side carried, reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Ivan Perisic.

The first goal came in the 17th minute, courtesy of Ivan Perisic, who put Croatia ahead before halftime. Merino equalised the match in the 61st minute, restoring parity for La Roja. The second goal came after a move built by Rodri, who delivered the decisive pass to Merino. After Perisic's dismissal in the 79th minute, the Spanish midfielder sealed the victory with a goal in the 88th minute.

Spain arrived in Split with nine points out of nine, already with qualification practically secured, and needed only a single point to seal progression. With the victory, the team adds twelve points out of twelve, remains first in Group C and leaves Croatia in third place. Moreover, La Roja is the only team in the group that has not lost any points.

Merino, the protagonist of the comeback

Mikel Merino has scored three goals in his last two matches for the national team. On Saturday he settled the game in Oviedo against the Czech Republic with a goal, and the night before he had assisted Nico Williams in Sevilla's 4‑1 victory on September 29. His brace in Split raises his tally to two goals in the round.

Spain chase group lead as Olmo warns of a dangerous Croatia in Split

Croatia, reduced to ten men after Perisic's red card, saw its early lead evaporate. The defeat keeps its overall record against Spain at 6‑2 and places it in third position in the group, with no margin for error in the remaining two matches.

Implications in the Nations League

Group C of the Nations League is led by Spain with twelve points, while Croatia occupies third place. With the fifth round completed, there are still two matches to play, which will decide the fate of the second place. La Roja, the only team without any points lost, is shaping up as the favourite to maintain its dominance.

Croatia 1-2 Spain: Mikel Merino the hero as La Roja advance to Nations League quarter-finals

The gap between Spain's security and the pressure Croatia faces highlights the importance of Merino's brace; while La Roja celebrates its qualification, the Croatians must seek the smallest advantage to stay in the competition.