Spain Player Ratings vs Croatia: Mikel Merino's Brace Secures Win in Nations League Clash

Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, scoring twice in the second half to help Spain overturn a deficit and claim a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Stadion Poljud. This result guarantees Luis de la Fuente’s team a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Spain dominated possession with 72%, but it was Croatia who struck first when Ivan Perisic converted a chance from Igor Matanovic's assist in the 17th minute. Despite facing a well-organized Croatian defense that executed 21 clearances, Spain struggled to create quality chances for much of the first half.

The turning point came after halftime when Merino entered the field. He leveled the score in the 61st minute following a clever pass from Dani Olmo and then netted the winner in the 88th minute after an assist by Martin Zubimendi. Croatia’s efforts were further hindered when Perisic received a second yellow card late in the match. Spain’s patience and depth ultimately secured their fourth consecutive win in Group 3.

Goalkeeper & Defense

• Unai Simon - 7/10: Made four saves, mostly against counterattacks. Could not stop Perisic’s opener but maintained calm distribution to build play from the back.
• Aymeric Laporte - 7/10: Key in holding Spain’s high defensive line and recycling possession efficiently. Strong in duels and provided stability when Croatia pressed.
• Marc Cucurella - 6/10: Worked hard on the left flank, though his final balls were often ineffective against Croatia’s tight defense. Defensively solid, limiting Croatia to just five shots on target.
• Pau Cubarsi - 6/10: Displayed maturity in a tough atmosphere, breaking lines with his passing despite pressure from Croatia’s attack.
• Marc Pubill - 6/10: Delivered width on the right side, covering for Lamine Yamal’s inward runs, while staying alert to Perisic’s counter threats.

Midfield

• Rodri - 7/10: Commanded the midfield with tactical awareness, maintaining pressure through accurate passing before being replaced to add more attacking options.
• Pedri - 7/10: Positioned smartly between spaces, trying to break down the Croatian midfield. His composure helped Spain control the game despite the hostile crowd.
• Dani Olmo - 7/10: The main creative force, providing the assist for Merino’s equalizer and causing problems for Croatian defenders with his movement.

Attack

• Alex Baena - 5/10: Struggled to influence the game, sacrificed at halftime to allow Merino’s entrance which shifted the momentum.
• Mikel Oyarzabal - 6/10: Showed effort leading the line but found few clear opportunities due to Croatia’s numerous clearances. His movement helped open space for teammates.
• Lamine Yamal - 7/10: Faced heavy marking from Croatian full-backs but displayed flashes of skill before being subbed off for a more direct approach.

Substitutes & Manager

• Mikel Merino - 9/10: Perfect impact after coming on at halftime, scoring both goals that turned the match in Spain’s favor.
• Martin Zubimendi - 7/10: Came on to inject energy and discipline, setting up Merino’s winning goal.
• Fermin Lopez - 6/10: Helped maintain the team's rhythm after replacing Rodri as Spain pressed for the winner.
• Victor Munoz - 5/10: Late substitute who picked up a yellow card during stoppage time.
• Yeremy Pino - N/A: Brief appearance late in the match to help see out the win.
• Luis de la Fuente - 9/10: His tactical switch to bring on Merino at halftime was decisive, resulting directly in both goals and securing victory.