Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scored a hat-trick as Spain thrashed Turkey in World Cup qualification on Sunday.
The European champions dismantled their hosts in Konya to take charge in Group E. Pedri opened the scoring for the Spanish after just six minutes, before Merino’s well-taken double handed the visitors a three-goal advantage at the break.
Ferran Torres added a fourth for Luis de la Fuente’s side, and Merino completed his hat-trick just before the hour.
The 29-year-old, who deputised as a centre-forward for Arsenal last season, has now scored six goals in his last six international appearances. He had previously scored just twice in his first 31 caps for the La Roja.
Mikel Merino bagged a hat-trick this evening as Spain beat Turkey 6-0 🎩
That’s six goals in six games for his country this year 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/zMV9drc3sL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 7, 2025
Pedri’s second of the night completed the scoring, while Mikel Oyarzabal ended the evening with a hat-trick of assists.
Spain have taken maximum points from their opening two qualifiers, scoring nine times and failing to concede.
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