Super-sub Merino stuns Belgium as Courtois injury derails Garcia's side

Spain delivered a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Belgium in a friendly that was overshadowed by a worrying injury to Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper had to be stretchered off in the 71st minute with what appeared to be a knee problem, forcing Senne Lammens into action. By then, Belgium had already been stretched by three earlier substitutions from coach Rudi Garcia, but losing their captain and last line of defense proved too much. The match had started brightly for Spain. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a composed finish, but Belgium hit back before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, who equalized in the 41st minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse. The second half saw Spain dominate possession, but Belgium held firm until the 88th minute. Mikel Merino, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past Lammens to snatch all three points. Bookings were handed to Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte for Spain, while Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel saw yellow for Belgium. For Garcia’s men, this loss follows a defeat to Portugal and leaves serious questions about their goalkeeping depth ahead of upcoming fixtures.