Ivan Perisic endured a dramatic evening for Croatia against Spain on Tuesday as the PSV player scored his side’s opening goal before being sent off in a 2-1 defeat.

Croatia took the lead in the first half, with Perisic finding the net for Slaven Bilic’s side. However, his night soon became more complicated when he was booked for a rough challenge shortly after scoring.

Spain eventually levelled the match, setting up a tense final period for both sides.

With the score level at 1-1 in the 75th minute, Perisic had a major opportunity to restore Croatia’s lead.

The PSV player’s effort, however, was saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Just moments later, Perisic was involved in another decisive incident. He received a second yellow card following a minor foul on Marc Cucurella, with Belgian referee Eric Lambrechts subsequently showing him the red card.

Cucurella's role in the incident became a talking point among the Croatian camp, with several players questioning the circumstances surrounding Perisic’s dismissal.

Spain went on to score the winning goal in the 88th minute, completing a 2-1 victory and leaving Croatia to reflect on another difficult international result.

Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic expressed his frustration with Cucurella’s involvement in the incident while also acknowledging the Spanish defender’s qualities.

“The way he cuts across there is very cunning,” Bilic said during his press conference with the Croatian media.

“I admire him as a player and also for the story involving his son, but naturally, he is also someone who provokes. If you aren't on his team, he gets under your skin.”

Croatia captain Luka Modric was similarly unhappy with the Spanish full-back.

“It’s probably wiser not to repeat what I said to Cucurella. If we had finished the match with the same number of players, we certainly wouldn't have lost to Spain,” Modric said.

Cucurella, however, defended the decision to dismiss Perisic and maintained that the second yellow card was justified.

“I think the red card for Perisic was justified. There was contact between us,” the Spain defender told TVE, as quoted by PSV Inside.

“We knew the Croatians would play aggressively. It was hard for us to match their pace in the first half, but ultimately we showed why we are the best team in the world.”

For Perisic and Croatia, the defeat completed a disappointing international break.

Croatia had started with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, but subsequently lost twice to Spain and suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat against England.

Perisic’s latest appearance therefore reflected Croatia’s wider struggles. The PSV forward made a decisive contribution with his goal, but his missed opportunity and subsequent dismissal ultimately formed the defining moments of a night that ended in defeat.