Home / Sports / Merino's Brace Seals Spain's Nations League Quarter-Final Berth
Merino's Brace Seals Spain's Nations League Quarter-Final Berth
6 Oct
Summary
- Mikel Merino scored both goals for Spain to secure a 2-1 victory.
- Spain came from behind after Croatia took an early lead.
- The win confirmed Spain's qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain secured their place in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Croatia in Split on October 6, 2026. The match saw Mikel Merino emerge as the hero, netting both goals for the visiting side.
Croatia initially took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perišić. However, Spain mounted a strong second-half comeback, with Merino equalizing in the 61st minute. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Merino struck again, completing the turnaround and clinching all three points for Spain.
The victory extended Spain's perfect start to the current Nations League campaign. Croatia's challenge was further hampered when Ivan Perišić received a second yellow card in the 79th minute, reducing them to ten men. Spain's win solidified their top position in Group A3 and confirmed their advancement to the quarter-finals.
