Spain produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling UEFA Nations League Group A3 clash on Tuesday night.
Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through veteran forward Ivan Perišić, who reacted quickest to a rebound after Unai Simón had saved Ivan Matanović’s effort.
Spain improved after the break and found the equaliser in the 61st minute. Dani Olmo created the opening before Mikel Merino calmly finished from inside the box to make it 1-1.
The visitors continued to push for the winner, with Croatia increasingly under pressure. Their task became even harder when Perišić was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Croatia with 10 men.
Spain eventually completed the comeback in the 89th minute when Merino produced a superb finish after controlling a chipped pass, sending the ball beyond Dominik Livaković to seal a 2-1 victory.
The result further strengthens Spain’s position at the top of Group A3 as they continue their impressive Nations League campaign.
