Croatia appeared on course for a much-needed victory after Ivan Perišić opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but Spain produced a second-half comeback to extend their winning run and secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Perišić gives Croatia deserved lead
Croatia started with greater intensity after suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat to England three days earlier.
Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Ivan Perišić reacted quickest after Dominik Livaković’s initial attack had broken down, finishing the rebound to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.
The hosts continued to threaten while Spain struggled to impose their usual control during the opening half. Croatia went into the interval ahead, with the world champions facing their first defeat of the Nations League campaign.
Merino brings Spain level
Spain returned from half-time with a much-improved performance.
The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute, when Mikel Merino found space inside the Croatian penalty area and finished with his left foot after Dani Olmo helped create the opening.
The goal changed the momentum of the contest, with Spain increasingly taking control as Croatia were forced to defend deeper.
Perišić sees red as Spain complete comeback
Croatia's task became significantly harder in the 79th minute when Perišić was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Playing against 10 men, Spain pushed for the winner and finally found it in the 89th minute.
Merino struck again, producing another composed left-footed finish to complete Spain's comeback and secure all three points.
Croatia 1-2 Spain
• Croatia: Ivan Perišić 17'
• Spain: Mikel Merino 61', 89'
Spain maintain perfect record
The victory takes Spain to 12 points from four Group A3 matches, leaving them top of the group and confirming their qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Their unbeaten run has now stretched to 42 matches, with Spain's last defeat coming against Colombia in March 2024.
Croatia, meanwhile, remain on three points after four matches. They had opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia before losing 4-1 to Spain and then suffering the 7-0 humiliation against England.
Croatia face uphill battle
For Slaven Bilić's Croatia, the defeat compounds a difficult few days.
After conceding seven goals against England, Croatia showed considerably more character against Spain and were within sight of an important victory before Perišić's dismissal changed the contest.
The Croatians will now need a strong finish to the remaining Nations League fixtures if they are to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Spain, meanwhile, can celebrate another statement victory as the reigning world champions continue their impressive run in the competition.