Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and midfielder Mikel Merino inspired a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Croatia at Stadion Poljud in Split on Tuesday, with Merino scoring twice in the second half to secure Spain’s place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
The victory completed four wins from four matches for the reigning world champions in League A Group 3 and extended Spain’s unbeaten run in official matches to 43 games.
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Spain now have 12 points, three clear of second-placed England.
Croatia made the brighter start and took the lead in the 17th minute when Ivan Perišić reacted quickest to head in after Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón had saved Josip Stanišić’s effort.
Spain controlled much of the possession but struggled to turn that control into clear chances during the opening period, while Croatia remained dangerous on the counter.
The hosts almost doubled their advantage before half-time when Igor Matanović tested Simón again, but the Spain goalkeeper kept his side within touching distance.
De la Fuente responded at the interval by introducing Merino, a decision that ultimately transformed the contest.
Merino levelled in the 61st minute after Dani Olmo found the Arsenal midfielder inside the area.
Merino kept his finish low and beyond Dominik Livaković to bring Spain back into the contest.
Croatia’s hopes of holding on suffered another blow when Perišić was shown a second yellow card with 11 minutes of normal time remaining, leaving Slaven Bilić’s side with 10 players.
Merino then completed Spain’s comeback in the 89th minute.
The midfielder produced a composed turn before firing beyond Livaković, completing a decisive substitute appearance and giving Spain all three points.
The result also maintained Spain’s perfect record in the group.
The Spanish side have scored 12 goals and conceded four across their opening four matches, leaving them with a goal difference of plus eight.
Speaking after the match, Merino highlighted the importance of contributing despite his frustration over limited playing time.
“I’m very happy to be able to help the team, another game in which it was my turn to score from the bench.”
Merino added that Spain’s unity remained central to the team’s success, describing the squad as a family.
De la Fuente was equally emphatic in his praise for the midfielder, whose late contributions have become an important feature of Spain’s campaign.
“It’s an honour to coach a player like that.”
The Spain manager also recalled his decision to take Merino to the 2026 World Cup after the midfielder recovered from injury, saying Merino had demonstrated why he deserved that confidence.
Spain’s latest victory carries additional significance after the team’s previous meeting with Croatia in this Nations League campaign.
Croatia entered the Split contest seeking a response after suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat to England on October 3.
Despite that setback, Croatia started strongly against Spain and briefly appeared capable of causing an upset. Merino’s intervention ultimately prevented that outcome.
Spain are now one of only two teams, alongside Portugal, to have secured a place in the Nations League knockout stage as early as the fourth matchday.
The qualification gives De la Fuente’s side breathing room in the final two group fixtures, although Spain will still have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group A3.
Spain will travel to face Czechia on November 12 before hosting England three days later at the Metropolitano in Madrid.
England remain three points behind Spain after beating Czechia 3-0 at Wembley.
The quarter-finals will be played over two legs in March, with Spain already assured of their place in the knockout stage.
For De la Fuente, however, the immediate challenge is maintaining the standards that have carried Spain through an extraordinary 43-match unbeaten run.
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The comeback in Split offered another reminder of Spain’s resilience. Croatia struck first, Spain responded through a substitute and Merino’s late finish turned a difficult night into another significant victory for the reigning world champions.
