Spain maintained their remarkable unbeaten run as Mikel Merino struck twice after coming off the bench to secure a 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia in Split.
Croatia looked set to hand Spain their first defeat in more than two years after Ivan Perisic put the hosts ahead. It was the first time Spain had conceded the opening goal since June 2024.
Merino was introduced at half-time and changed the game. The Arsenal midfielder levelled in the 61st minute before completing Spain’s comeback two minutes from time.
His equaliser came after Spain had struggled to turn their possession into clear openings, but the visitors grew stronger after the break. Merino provided the finishing touch when he reacted quickest to bring Spain level.
Croatia were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when Perisic was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving the hosts with a difficult final 11 minutes.
Spain took advantage late on. Merino controlled a pass inside the penalty area, turned away from the challenge and struck a volley beyond Dominik Livakovic in the 88th minute to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 43 matches, including 36 wins, and preserves their two-and-a-half-year record without defeat.
Spain and Portugal are the only teams to have won all of their group matches in the Nations League over the past two weeks, with both countries securing their places in next year’s quarter-finals.
