Spain beat Croatia in Split as Sucic rests after his debut

In the UEFA Nations League group‑stage match played at the Poljud stadium in Split, Spain came back from behind against Croatia thanks to Mikel Merino’s brace, while Mikel Oyarzabal played the full ninety minutes and Luka Sucic, who started in the first half, was left out of the minutes in the subsequent games.

Comeback led by Merino

The contest started with Ivan Perisic’s opening goal, but the arrival of former Real Madrid player Mikel Merino changed the game. Merino scored twice, the second after a pass from the young Martín Zubimendi, sealing the Spanish comeback. With that brace, the midfielder opened the lead that would not be relinquished again.

In the Spanish side, Mikel Oyarzabal played the full ninety minutes. The forward, who also represents Real Sociedad, finished the matchday with a significant physical workload, just five days before hosting Deportivo de La Coruña at the Anoeta and with barely four days to prepare.

Luka Sucic, Croatia’s midfielder, had a positive rating by ending the night without additional minutes after his debut as a starter. The lack of physical load allows him to return to his club duties without accumulated fatigue.

Icelandic leadership of Óskarsson

Orri Óskarsson captained Iceland in the goalless draw (0‑0) against Estonia, playing the full ninety minutes. In his four international matches, he has started three full games, accumulating three goals, two assists and direct involvement in five goals.

FIFA and Real Sociedad under the spotlight

The final close of the FIFA window left mixed feelings for Real Sociedad’s representation, with Merino and Oyarzabal as protagonists. Jorge Serrano from Antiviolencia has proposed sanctioning the club for a banner displayed at the Anoeta, while José Antonio García Sirvent covered the match.

Óskarsson, sent off in the last league commitment against Valencia, will serve his suspension and will not be available for Deportivo’s clash with Real Sociedad this Sunday at the Anoeta. His minutes with the national team allow him to keep a competitive rhythm ahead of the busy October schedule.