# Croatia-Spain UEFA Nations League match

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-spain-uefa-nations-league-match
> Updated: 2026-10-07T00:49:58.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

In a UEFA Nations League match at Poljud, Croatia initially took a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute through a header by Ivan Perisic. However, Spain eventually secured a 2-1 comeback victory with goals from Mikel Merino in the 61st and 88th minutes.

The match was impacted by a turning point in the 81st minute when Perisic received a second yellow card, leaving Croatia to finish the game with ten players. Following the loss, striker Igor Matanovic noted that while a chance to extend the lead was missed, the team displayed more spirit than in their previous heavy defeat against England. Public reaction in Zagreb was mixed, with supporters noting improved performance despite the loss and some criticizing the officiating regarding the dismissal and the validity of the Spanish goals.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Croatia loses 2-1 to Spain in UEFA Nations League match

Croatia fell 2-1 to Spain in the UEFA Nations League at Poljud, despite an early goal from Ivan Perišić. The team played the final minutes with ten men following Perišić's red card.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-loses-2-1-to-spain-in-uefa-nations-league-match

### 2026-10-05: International football: Croatia leads Spain while El Salvador defeats Martinique

Croatia leads Spain 1-0 in the Nations League via an Ivan Perisic goal, while El Salvador defeats Martinique to avoid relegation in the CONCACAF Nations League.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-football-croatia-leads-spain-while-el-salvador-defeats-martinique

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Cite as: Croatia-Spain UEFA Nations League match. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-spain-uefa-nations-league-match