Spain’s run to the Euro 2024 title was packed with unforgettable moments, whether that was a dazzling attacking display inspired by tournament debutant Lamine Yamal, or dramatic late winners on their way to sealing a second European Championship victory.
And while Mikel Merino’s extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals sits firmly alongside these tournament highlights, there is also a fascinating subplot attached to the strike that sealed La Roja’s place in the final four.
For Merino, it’s a family affair, more than three decades in the making.
Merino’s goal that connected two generations
The more that Euro 2024 went on, the more Spain looked like the tournament’s standout side, as they mixed technical ability with devastating attacking football. But hosts Germany would provide their toughest test yet in the quarter-finals.
With the scores level after 119 gruelling minutes, second-half substitute Merino rose highest from a Dani Olmo cross to head home a late, late winner.
“It was the best moment in my career,” Merino tells FourFourTwo. “It was a very tough game against probably the favourites at that stage, playing at home in Stuttgart, with their massive support.
“Before that, Spain had never beaten a tournament host nation. To be able to help the team in a moment like that, it was special.”
There was added personal significance, too, given Merino’s father – a former professional footballer himself – scored one of the most important goals of his own career in the very same Stuttgart stadium.
Angel Miguel Merino’s strike helped fire Osasuna to a 3-2 win over the German club in the 1991-92 UEFA Cup.
He celebrated by running around the corner flag – a gesture imitated by his son at Euro 2024, 33 years later.
“It was one of the most important goals in his career, and he scored it in that same stadium,” Merino smiles.
“So for me to be able to score there, and celebrate the same way he did, is the highlight of my career so far.”