Mikel Merino delivers again as Spain beats Belgium with late heroics

Mikel Merino struck late to rescue La Roja again, firing Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in their Euro 2024 quarter-final on 2 July.

What happened?

Spain looked dead and buried with 15 minutes left, trailing 1-0 to a resilient Belgium side. But Mikel Merino, introduced as a substitute, turned the game on its head. The Real Sociedad midfielder rifled in a first-time effort from the edge of the box in the 78th minute, leveling the score before Ferran Torres added a second in stoppage time to seal the win.

Why it matters for Mikel Merino

This was Merino’s third late winner in a Spain shirt this year, extending his reputation as a clutch performer. His goal against Belgium marked his fourth international strike in 2024 alone, continuing a run that has seen him become a go-to option in high-pressure moments. The 28-year-old has now scored in back-to-back major tournaments, a streak that underscores his growing influence in midfield.

And the timing couldn’t have been better. With Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign hanging by a thread, Merino’s intervention kept their title hopes alive. His performance also silenced any doubts about his fitness after a disrupted club season, where injuries limited his minutes at Real Sociedad.

What comes next?

Spain now face France in the semi-finals, a rematch of last year’s Nations League final. Merino will be central to their chances, tasked with controlling the tempo against a French side brimming with attacking talent. Should he replicate his Euro form, he could yet play a starring role in Germany.

But the real story is Merino’s knack for delivering when it counts. In a tournament where Spain have often struggled to break down stubborn defenses, his late surge offers a clear blueprint for their attack. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his impact is impossible to ignore.