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Spanish media react to Mikel Merino’s brace against Croatia

Incredibly, Mikel Merino has done it again for Spain. The Arsenal midfielder came on at half-time against Croatia with Spain trailing 1-0, before scoring a…

By James Lloyd · Arsenal Insider

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 8:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Spanish media widely praised Mikel Merino following his match-winning brace in Spain's 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Merino came off the bench at halftime and scored the decisive 89th-minute winning goal from a Martin Zubimendi pass.
Spanish outlets AS, ElDesmarque, and Okdiario all awarded Merino a 9/10 match rating.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Spanish media outlets widely praised Mikel Merino after the Arsenal midfielder scored two goals off the bench in Spain's 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia. Entering at halftime with Spain trailing 1-0, Merino equalized with a clinical finish before netting an 89th-minute winner assisted by Martin Zubimendi.

Spanish publications AS, ElDesmarque, and Okdiario each awarded Merino a 9/10 rating, highlighting his consistent ability to score decisive goals as a substitute. Arsenal Insider writer James Lloyd argues that manager Mikel Arteta should consider starting Merino at striker in place of the injured Kai Havertz.

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Spanish media react to Mikel Merino’s brace against Croatia

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