Merino double sends Spain into Nations League quarter-finals

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain recovered from a goal down to beat Croatia and secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

The world champions were chasing an 11th consecutive victory under Luis de la Fuente but were made to work for it after Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead in the 17th minute.

Croatia responded strongly after their heavy 7-0 defeat by England in their previous Nations League outing, earning a standing ovation from their supporters at half-time following an improved first-half display.

Merino changes the game for Spain

Spain stepped up the pressure after the interval and eventually found an equaliser in the 61st minute.

Dani Olmo took advantage of a poor Croatian clearance before finding Merino, who made no mistake with his finish to bring Spain level.

The visitors continued searching for a winner, with Lamine Yamal seeing a goalbound effort blocked as Spain increased the pressure.

Croatia’s task became even more difficult when Perisic was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella.

The 37-year-old had earlier seen a powerful effort saved before his dismissal, which left Croatia with 10 men for the closing stages.

Arsenal duo combine for winning goal

Spain eventually completed the comeback two minutes from full-time, with Merino once again finding the decisive finish.

The midfielder latched onto a superb pass from Arsenal team-mate Martin Zubimendi before producing a brilliant finish to give Spain a 2-1 victory.

Merino’s double completed a memorable contribution from the bench and extended Spain’s winning run to 11 matches.

The victory also strengthened Spain’s position at the top of League A Group 3, with De la Fuente’s side now three points clear of England.

England moved second after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 on Tuesday, but Spain’s latest victory has confirmed their progress to the Nations League quarter-finals.