Spain secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Split. The reigning European champions looked to be heading for trouble, but Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench after half-time to turn the game on its head.

Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perisic, giving the hosts a valuable advantage. Spain struggled to find a way back into the contest before the interval, but everything changed after the break.

Merino quickly became the hero for La Roja. The Arsenal midfielder levelled the score with a precise low finish into the corner, breathing new life into Spain's hopes of completing the comeback.

The turning point came when Perisic was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Spain immediately seized control, and Merino produced a moment of real quality, curling a stunning strike into the top corner to complete his brace and put the visitors ahead.

Spain started with Pedri, Lamine Yamal and goalkeeper Unai Simon, while Luka Modric featured for Croatia in what could be one of his final appearances for the national team.

UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Croatia - Spain 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Perišić I., 17 (1:0); Merino, 61 (1:1); Merino, 88 (1:2)

Croatia: Livaković; Stanisic; Gvardiol; Vuskovic L.; Sutalo J.; Kovacic M. (Pasalic Mario, 88); Modric (Sucic P., 66); Vlašić (Baturina M., 71); Perišić I. (till 79); Jakic; Matanovic (Beljo, 65)
Substitution: Beljo (from 65); Sucic P. (from 66); Baturina M. (from 71); Pasalic Mario (from 88)
Bench: Pandur; Kotarski; Pongracic; Pašalić Marco; Sucic L.; Mišić J.; Kramaric; Budimir
Yellow Cards: Perišić I. 22, 79; Modric 65
Red cards: Perišić I. 79'

Spain: Simón U.; Cubarsí; Pubill; Laporte; Cucurella; Rodri (Zubimendi, 71); Olmo (Fermin Fermin, 71); Álex Baena (Merino, 46); Oyarzabal; Yamal (Muñoz Vic., 78); Pedri (Pino Y., 87)
Substitution: Merino (from 46); Zubimendi (from 71); Fermin Fermin (from 71); Muñoz Vic. (from 78); Pino Y. (from 87)
Bench: Raya; Martínez J-p; Huijsen; Le Normand; Fresneda; García Fr.; Fernández Rob.
Yellow Cards: Rodri 66; Muñoz Vic. 90