Croatia started strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute. Ivan Perisic reacted quickest after Unai Simón had denied Josip Stanišić, heading in the rebound to put the hosts ahead.
Spain struggled to create clear chances before half-time, but Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino from the bench and the midfielder transformed the contest.
Merino equalised in the 61st minute, finishing calmly after Spain finally created space in the Croatia defence. The Arsenal midfielder then completed the turnaround two minutes from time, controlling Martín Zubimendi’s pass before firing home.
Croatia were also reduced to 10 men when Perisic was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Spain with the numerical advantage for the final stages.
Merino said his mentality had to remain positive despite being left out of the starting XI.
“I’m very happy to be able to help the team again. I had to come off the bench and you have to go out with a good attitude even if things aren’t going your way and you’re angry about not starting,” he said. “Give my best because this is the national team, a family.”
The midfielder also explained what De la Fuente asked of him at half-time.
“Luis told me I had to go out and do what I know how to do, have more of the ball and make our possessions last longer. And also attack the area and try to do damage. And that’s what I did,” Merino said.
Luis de la Fuente praised his players for recovering from a difficult first half.
“I am very proud of these players for many reasons. I could always be thanking them. It was a very difficult match, but we reacted well,” he said. “In the first half we suffered a lot, but in the second half we had the calmness to create chances and for Mikel Merino to appear once again.”
The Spain manager also highlighted the importance of goalkeeper Unai Simón, whose saves kept the visitors within reach of a comeback.
There was further praise for Merino, with De la Fuente describing him as a top-level player and saying Spain do not always give him enough credit.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run and sends them into the Nations League quarter-finals, with four wins from four matches in their group.