Spain complete comeback against Croatia after Mikel Merino masterclass

Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 away in Split in an entertaining match full of twists and turns.

Although Spain controlled possession in the opening minutes, Croatia quickly stepped up the intensity, closed down the spaces and pressed extremely high.

The hosts deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute. Mateo Kovacic made an excellent run forward and found Matia Matanovic. His shot was saved by Unai Simon, but Ivan Perisic reacted quickest to the rebound and headed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Spain pushed for an equaliser before half-time, with Lamine Yamal hitting the outside of the net. After the break, the pressure from the visitors became even greater. In the 52nd minute, Yamal appealed for a penalty, but the referee dismissed the incident as a dive, while two minutes later Dani Olmo came just inches away from scoring.

The equaliser eventually arrived, with substitute Mikel Merino becoming the hero for Spain. With his first serious chance, Merino was found in the centre of the penalty area and calmly fired a low shot into the net to make it 1-1.

The key turning point came when Croatia goalscorer Ivan Perisic stepped on Marc Cucurella and was shown a second yellow card following a VAR review.

Down to 10 men, Croatia began to crumble. Martin Zubimendi picked out Merino with an elegant chip over the defence, and the midfielder produced a superb touch before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner to complete Spain's comeback and make it 2-1.

With all three points secured, Spain strengthened their position at the top, while Croatia will have to regret letting their advantage slip away.