Merino’s Late Strike Extends Spanish Dominance
Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 victory for Spain over Croatia at Stadion Poljud on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The result keeps Spain perfect in Group A3, boasting 12 points from four matches and a guaranteed path to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
The fixture pitted a juggernaut against a side in crisis. Spain arrived in Split riding a 41-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Croatia, by contrast, entered the match reeling from a 1-4 loss to Spain and a 0-7 drubbing by England. The hosts currently languish in third place with only three points.
Early Croatian Defiance Fades
Despite the gulf in form, Croatia drew first blood. Ivan Perisic pounced on a rebound inside the penalty area in the 14th minute to put the hosts ahead. The match could have shifted further in Croatia’s favor, but Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon denied an attempt by Igor Matanovic to keep the deficit at one.
Spain controlled the tempo, yet struggled to penetrate the final third during a sluggish opening half. Head coach Luis de la Fuente turned to his bench, and the adjustment proved decisive. In the 61st minute, substitute Mikel Merino leveled the score, slotting home a clinical assist from Dani Olmo.
The Turning Point at Stadion Poljud
The complexion of the match changed in the 79th minute. Ivan Perisic, already cautioned, committed a foul on Marc Cucurella. The referee issued a second yellow card, reducing Croatia to 10 men.
Spain immediately used the numerical advantage. With time running out, Martin Zubimendi teed up Merino for his second goal of the night. It was a hallmark performance for the midfielder, who has now tallied 14 goals for the national team under de la Fuente, frequently serving as the critical offensive spark off the bench.
A Personal Return for Elm
For Dani Olmo, the trip to Split carried weight beyond the standings. The Barcelona midfielder spent his formative years in Croatia after moving to Dinamo Zagreb at age 16. His agent, Andy Bara, noted that Olmo has donated 2% of his annual salary to a charity in Vukovar since 2020.
“I felt a sense of gratitude toward Croatia for the opportunities provided early in my career and wished to support the local community,” Olmo said of his long-standing connection to the country.
Tactical Context and Personnel
The match was framed as a lopsided encounter, described by observers as a battle between Goliath and David, though without the underdog’s traditional sling. Croatia manager Slaven Bilic had deployed a lineup featuring Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Modric, Jakic, Vlasic, Kovacic, Perisic, and Matanovic. Spain fielded Simon, Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Baena, and Oyarzabal.
De la Fuente had previously defended his squad rotation policy, noting, “A footballer who starts the match from the first minute is no more important than the player who comes out in the 60th minute.” Merino, who has excelled despite not starting in every match, admitted, “Sometimes it is difficult.” Addressing the team’s mindset, the coach cautioned his players: “We must not be arrogant because of the big win in the first game against Croatia.”
Spain Secures Quarterfinal Berth While Croatia Struggles
The win leaves the Group A3 table clear: Spain sits atop the standings with a perfect 12 points, while Croatia holds third place with three points from four outings. While Spain has secured its quarterfinal berth, questions remain regarding how Croatia will rebuild its defensive discipline following the heavy defeats that have defined its current campaign.
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