In a breathtaking display of attacking football, Mikel Merino scored a magnificent hat-trick as Spain crushed Turkey 6-0 in their World Cup qualifying match. The comprehensive victory showcased Spain’s title credentials as they dominated from start to finish at a packed stadium with 32,059 fans in attendance.
Merino, who has been in outstanding form this season, opened his account in the 22nd minute with a clinical finish after a well-worked team move. The midfielder doubled his tally just before halftime, finding the net in first-half stoppage time to give Spain a comfortable lead going into the break.
The hat trick was completed in the 57th minute when Merino produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling a stunning shot from 20 yards that left the Turkish goalkeeper with no chance. The crowd erupted as Merino celebrated his first international hat trick, cementing his status as one of Spain’s rising stars.
“It was a perfect night for the team and for me personally,” Merino told reporters after the match. “We showed our quality all over the pitch, and I’m just happy I could contribute to such an important victory.”
While Merino stole the headlines, Barcelona midfielder Pedri also delivered an exceptional performance with two goals of his own. The young star opened the scoring early in the 6th minute, setting the tone for Spain’s dominant display, before adding his second in the 62nd minute. Ferran Torres rounded off the scoring to complete Turkey’s misery.
The statistics tell the story of Spain’s superiority, with the hosts registering 21 shots compared to Turkey’s 11, and 12 on target versus just 2 for the visitors. The Turkish defense had no answer to Spain’s fluid attacking play and precise finishing.
This victory strengthens Spain’s position in their World Cup qualifying group as they continue their campaign to reach the tournament finals. For Turkey, it’s back to the drawing board after a humbling defeat that exposed significant defensive frailties.
Spain’s head coach praised his team’s performance: “Today we saw the Spain we want to be—dominant, creative, and clinical in front of goal. Merino was exceptional, but this was a complete team performance that shows what we’re capable of.”
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