Mikel Merino Brace Leads Spain to Dramatic 2:1 Comeback Win Over Croatia

Mikel Merino proved once again on Tuesday just how crucial he has become for the Spain national team. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench at halftime to score a brace, leading the European side to a dramatic 2:1 comeback victory over Croatia in Split. The result extended Spain's unbeaten run to 42 matches and secured their spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through an Ivan Perisic goal, but Spain took control in the second half. Merino replaced Alex Baena at the break and leveled the score in the 61st minute after receiving a pass from Dani Olmo. Near the end, he netted his second with a brilliant control in the box and a turning shot, completing the comeback. Perisic went from hero to villain when he was red-carded in the 79th minute, leaving Croatia with ten men.

Merino's Impact as a Super-Sub

After the match, Merino said: "I am very happy I could help, even coming off the bench. You have to step up with the best possible attitude, even if you are frustrated not to start. Like everyone who played from the start, the goal is to help the team and give everything you have."

Merino has long established himself as Luis de la Fuente's ultimate joker. Since the beginning of 2025, he has scored five goals in 16 official substitute appearances for Spain, matching Romelu Lukaku as the top-scoring substitute in European national teams during this period. In total, Merino has scored six goals as a substitute under De la Fuente, sharing the Spanish record during this managerial era with Mikel Oyarzabal.

"The coach told me to do what I know best — hold the ball, press after losing possession, and get into the box," Merino explained regarding De la Fuente's instructions at halftime.