Spain player ratings vs Croatia: Mikel Merino double rescues victory for de la Fuente in UEFA Nations League thriller
Spain defeated Croatia 2-1 in a UEFA Nations League match after Mikel Merino scored two second-half goals. The victory secures Spain's place in the quarter-finals despite an early goal from Croatia's Ivan Perisic.
Why it matters
The result confirms Spain's continued dominance in the Nations League and highlights the tactical impact of substitutions in high-stakes international football.
Mikel Merino emerged as the unlikely hero with a second-half brace as Spain came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 at the Stadion Poljud. The victory secures Luis de la Fuente's side a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain maintained their flawless Nations League record with a gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in Split. Despite dominating possession with a staggering 72%, La Roja found themselves trailing early after Ivan Perisic capitalised on an Igor Matanovic assist in the 17th minute. The Croatian low block, combined with 21 clearances, frustrated the visitors for over an hour as Luis de la Fuente’s side struggled to convert their territorial dominance into high-quality chances.
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