Spain chases qualification as Croatia halts its run

Spain is one step away from securing its place in the Nations League quarter‑finals, while a wounded Croatia looks to halt the disastrous run of results it has accumulated in recent matches.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have already shown their power by thrashing the Croatian side 4‑1 at the Sánchez‑Pizjuán, and the victories against England and the Czech Republic left them just one win away from mathematical qualification.

Spain one step from the quarters

That win, added to the successes against England and the Czech Republic, puts La Roja one victory away from the quarter‑finals, which would allow them to rest during the November break. A defeat would open the group to the Balkan side and the English, who after winning 0‑7 in Rijeka will face the Czechs at Wembley.

Slaven Bilić’s men, with only three points and sitting third in Group 3, suffered a humiliating defeat that generated a feeling of “shame” among figures such as Luka Modrić, turning the upcoming clash with Spain into a chance for redemption.

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Luis de la Fuente will be without Nico Williams, Alejandro Grimaldo, Eric García and Ferran Torres due to injury, nor will he have Fabián Ruiz who is on paternity leave. Despite the rotations, only Lamine Yamal has started all three matches, although he was substituted in the last two.

Yamal, Barcelona’s star, has scored four goals and provided one assist in three games, positioning himself as the competition’s best player and the undisputed leader of La Roja.

The return of Unai Simón in goal and a refreshed defence with Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella are expected, replicating the line that secured the first‑leg victory. In midfield, Rodri Hernández and Pedri would form the double pivot, while Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino would contest the attacking midfield.

Spain secures quarter‑final spot, England chase promotion in London

Up front, Oyarzabal and Baena would complete the trident alongside Lamine Yamal. Despite the offensive level, La Roja have conceded goals in all three matches, which has caused scares due to a lack of intensity and concentration, contrary to Luis de la Fuente’s philosophy of avoiding such situations.