Mikel Merino saves Spain again as Zubimendi assists

Mikel Merino came off the bench to rescue Spain against Croatia, scoring twice in a 2-1 win as another Arsenal midfielder helped create the decisive goal.

Mikel Merino rescued Spain again with both goals in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia, while Martín Zubimendi supplied the pass for the late winner.

Spain trailed at half-time in Split after Ivan Perišić scored in the 17th minute, prompting Merino’s introduction for Álex Baena at the interval.

The Arsenal midfielder needed only 16 minutes to make an impact.

Dani Olmo collected a poor headed clearance and found Merino, who swept a left-footed finish home to bring Spain level in the 61st minute.

Merino then decided the game two minutes from time.

Zubimendi, who had replaced Rodri in the 71st minute, found his Arsenal team-mate with a pass which Merino took down brilliantly before beating Dominik Livaković with another left-footed strike.

Croatia were already down to 10 men by then, with Perišić shown a second yellow card in the 80th minute.

The two goals completed another decisive international appearance for Merino, who was named man of the match by Fotmob.

He scored or assisted four goals during this break, despite not starting a single game and playing only 109 minutes.

Spain’s victory also preserved their perfect Nations League record, leaving them with four wins from four in Group A3.

David Raya remained on the bench throughout, with Simón starting and completing the match in goal.

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