Spain travel to Split with a very clear mission: to end the first UEFA Nations League window with their place in the quarter-finals secured. Luis de la Fuente’s side have won all three of their opening matches and sit on nine points from nine, having beaten England at Wembley (2-3), Croatia in Seville (4-1) and Czechia in Oviedo (3-1). Now, facing Croatia once again, the equation is simple: a win or a draw will mathematically confirm Spain’s place in the quarter-finals.

Croatia vs Spain, 8:45pm, live on La 1 de TVE

Croatia and Spain meet again just one week after their most recent encounter. That match was played at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, while tonight’s meeting will take place at Poljud Stadium at 8:45pm Spanish mainland time.

The hosts began the campaign with a win in Prague against Czechia (1-2), before losing to Spain (4-1) and then suffering the heaviest defeat in their history in their most recent outing, a resounding 0-7 loss to England. Croatia have conceded eleven goals in just two matches. Following those results, the hosts will be determined to respond in front of their supporters and return to winning ways.

The match will be played at Poljud Stadium, one of the city’s great sporting landmarks and the venue for this fourth matchday of the new UEFA Nations League format. It will be the 13th meeting between the two sides, with Spain holding the advantage with eight wins, one draw and three defeats.

Spain arrive as world champions and having won every match since lifting the trophy. It is now time to bring this first international window of the season to a close in style and secure direct passage to the quarter-finals of the continental competition in Split.