In a thrilling encounter at Poljud Stadium in Split, Spain emerged victorious against Croatia with a final score of 2-1 during the fourth matchday of Group A3 in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. This match took place on the early morning of October 7, 2026, marking Spain’s first away win against Croatia after two previous meetings.
The triumph also secured La Roja’s progression to the quarter-finals of the tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field. Croatia, looking to bounce back from their shocking 0-7 defeat to England, started the match with a spirited performance. The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute when Ivan Perisic netted a goal, capitalizing on a rebound after a save from Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon.
Spain struggled to penetrate Croatia’s disciplined defense, with both Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal coming close to leveling the score just before halftime, but failing to find the back of the net. Consequently, Croatia maintained a 1-0 lead as they headed into the locker room.
Spain Stages a Remarkable Comeback
Upon resuming the match, Spain intensified their pressure, with Dani Olmo nearly connecting with a cross from Lamine Yamal. Anticipation around the equalizer for Spain reached its peak when Mikel Merino, who was substituted in at the start of the second half, scored in the 61st minute. After getting on the end of a header clearance from Josip Stanisic, Merino unleashed a powerful left-foot shot, leveling the match at 1-1.
With momentum building, Spain aimed to take the lead, and though Lamine Yamal had a promising chance, his shot was deflected off a Croatian defender and narrowly missed the far post. Croatia, facing mounting pressure, also had opportunities to regain their advantage. A miscommunication in the Spanish defense allowed Perisic another chance, but Simon was on hand to make the save.
The match took a pivotal turn when Perisic received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving Croatia to contend with ten players for the remainder of the game. As the clock ticked down, Spain sought to capitalize on this numerical advantage. With just moments before the game concluded, Zubimendi delivered a stellar pass to Merino, who took a deft touch to control the ball before unleashing a thunderous left-foot strike that found the back of the net, giving Spain a 2-1 lead.
Merino’s second goal ultimately sealed the result and established his pivotal role in Spain’s comeback victory. With this win, Spain completed a perfect run in Group A3, accumulating four victories out of four matches, while Croatia faced their second consecutive defeat.
Match Details and Insights
The match saw Croatia line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dominik Livakovic in goal and a defense comprising of Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo, and Josko Gvardiol. The midfield featured Kristijan Jakic and Luka Modric, supported by a trio of forwards: Nikola Vlasic, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic, with Igor Matanovic leading the line. The team was managed by Slaven Bilic.
On the other side, Spain also opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, featuring Unai Simon as the goalkeeper. Defenders included Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Cucurella. The midfielders were Pedri and Rodri, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena provided support to striker Mikel Oyarzabal. Luis de la Fuente took the reins as coach.
This match exemplifies the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football, particularly in high-stakes competitions like the UEFA Nations League. Spain’s ability to recover from adversity and maintain composure under pressure highlights their status as a formidable team. As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting matches as teams vie for glory.
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