Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino sends Spain to the next round with a 91st-minute striker against Portugal. The only goal of the cagey affair came when Ferran Torres played a measured through pass to fellow substitute Merino.
The ******* nal all-rounder had a difficult season due to a long-term injury, but he added yet another clutch moment to his collection, which includes a goal that knocked Germany out from their home European Championship a couple of summers ago.
Merino signed for Dortmund from Osasuna a decade ago, but he has only played nine scoreless games before joining Newcastle United on an initial loan deal, which later turned to permanent with the German side eventually making a profit from their investment a couple of years ago.
The first-half saw the better chances as Diogo Costa made a great double save from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena moments after Mikel Oyarzabal's poor finishing. Nuno Mendes hit the crossbar with a deflected effort at the other end.
Chances were few and far between after the break until the 30-year-old stunned Portugal with a clinical finish. Former Bayer Leverkusen fullback Alejandro Grimaldo is still waiting for his World Cup debut. Atlétic Madrid’ new signing has featured twice when Spain won the Euros in 2024.