Spain made a statement in their World Cup qualifying campaign as Mikel Merino scored a stunning hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition of Turkey in Konya.
The Arsenal midfielder, who has been in inspired form for La Roja, struck twice in the first half before completing his treble with a spectacular effort from distance on 57 minutes, latching onto a pass from 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal and curling into the top corner.
Merino, 29, has now scored six goals in as many games for Spain in 2025, a remarkable turnaround for a player who had found the net just twice in his previous 31 international appearances.
Spain’s dominance was further underlined by Pedri, who scored a brace, and Ferran Torres, who added the sixth, while Mikel Oyarzabal played a starring creative role with three assists, including both of Merino’s first-half strikes.
Turkey, backed by a partisan home crowd, had little answer to Spain’s control and attacking precision.
They pulled one back late on, but it did little to mask a sobering evening for Vincenzo Montella’s side, who had begun qualifying with an opening win.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain now sit top of Group E with two victories from two matches, while Turkey remain level on three points with Georgia.
For Spain, this emphatic display not only bolsters their qualification hopes but also signals the emergence of Merino as a central attacking force in a side brimming with youthful talent and growing confidence.
