Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as world champions Spain fought back from a goal down to beat Croatia in the Nations League.
Spain, under coach Luis de la Fuente, entered this match aiming for their 11th straight victory, yet they trailed in the 17th minute after Ivan Perisic scored with a header.
Croatia had suffered a 7-0 hammering by England in their last Nations League outing, but a far better performance in this match earned them a standing ovation at half-time.
Spain, though, was the stronger side after the interval and equalized in the 61st minute when Dani Olmo seized on a poor clearance and found Merino, who finished confidently.
Lamine Yamal had a goal-bound shot blocked as Spain pressed for the winner, and moments later Perisic was sent off for Croatia, just after his powerful effort was saved.
The 37-year-old received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella.
That sending-off may have proved costly, as Spain grabbed the three points two minutes from the end when Merino met a fine pass from Arsenal teammate Martin Zubimendi and produced a brilliant finish into the net.
Spain sits at the top of League A—Group 3, three points clear of England, who cruised to a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
