LIVESCORES MATCH REPORT
Croatia 1-2 Spain: Merino comeback sends La Roja into Nations League quarter-finals
Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 on 6 October, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring twice as the visitors secured a UEFA Nations League quarter-final place.
Spain secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, turning around a half-time deficit through two goals from substitute Mikel Merino.
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How Spain turned the match around
Croatia made the stronger start and Ivan Perišić put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute. UEFA's match report describes the opener as a header and confirms that Croatia carried their 1-0 advantage into half-time.
Spain responded by introducing Merino at the break. The change had a decisive impact: he equalised in the 61st minute, with Dani Olmo providing the assist, before the match shifted again when Perišić was sent off in the 79th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
With Croatia reduced to 10 players, Spain found the winner in the 88th minute. Merino scored again, this time from a Martín Zubimendi assist, completing the comeback and ensuring Spain left with all three points.
The result was Spain's fourth win from four matches in League A Group 3. Their earlier results were a 3-2 victory away to England, a 4-1 home win over Croatia and a 3-1 win against Czechia. UEFA confirmed after the Croatia match that Spain had booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
A difficult run for Croatia
For Croatia, the result continued a demanding Nations League spell. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Czechia, but then lost 4-1 in Spain and 7-0 at home to England before the 2-1 defeat against Spain.
There was nevertheless a clear difference between this meeting and the 4-1 reverse in Spain a week earlier. Croatia led for more than 40 minutes of playing time after Perišić's opener and remained level until the closing stages, despite going down to 10 men.
Spain, meanwhile, showed why they have set the pace in the group. They did not need to lead early to control the outcome, and Merino's contribution from the bench ultimately decided the contest.
What happens next
The Nations League league phase resumes in November. According to UEFA's published fixture list, Croatia travel to England on 12 November before hosting Czechia on 15 November. Spain visit Czechia on 12 November and then host England on 15 November.
Spain already have quarter-final qualification secured, so those remaining fixtures will complete their League A Group 3 programme. Croatia still have two matches left in which to improve their position after three successive defeats.
