Merino scores twice as Spain beat Croatia 2-1 in Nations League

What the report says

Spain kept their perfect start in UEFA Nations League Group A3 on Tuesday with a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in Split, according to Al Jazeera’s report from AFP. Mikel Merino scored both goals for Spain after Ivan Perisic had given the hosts the lead, helping the reigning World Cup champions move into the quarter-finals with two matches still left to play.

Croatia began strongly and took advantage of an early period of pressure, with Perisic finishing a rebound after Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon had saved an earlier effort. Spain responded after the break when Merino, introduced at halftime, levelled the match in the 61st minute from a Dani Olmo pass.

The game shifted again when Perisic was sent off late in the match for a second yellow card. Spain then pressed home their numerical advantage, and Merino sealed the result with a late finish after a quick turn inside the box. The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 42 consecutive matches and left them three points clear of England at the top of the group.

The report adds useful context: Croatia were trying to recover from a heavy defeat to England in their previous match, while Spain continued a strong run under coach Luis de la Fuente. The win matters because it confirms Spain’s progression in the competition and underlines the team’s depth, with Merino again making a decisive impact off the bench.