Reigning champions Spain were knocked off top spot in Group D after losing 2-1 to Croatia in Bordeaux.

Spain began the match in ideal fashion as Alvaro Morata opened the scoring in the seventh minute.

The Juventus forward, who will re-join Real Madrid when the transfer window reopens, tapping home after a wonderful reverse pass from David Silva played in Cesc Fabregas who laid the ball off to Morata who made no mistake with the tap in.

Croatia almost hit back after an error from David De Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper taking too long after a back pass from Gerard Pique. De Gea failed to clear his lines and after being dispossessed Ivan Rakitic lobbed an effort goalwards.

The Barcelona midfielder’s effort hit the crossbar then the post but goal-line technology correctly ruled that the ball did not cross the line as Pique spared his goalkeeper’s blushed by hacking the ball clear.

With just under half an hour played Nolito failed to beat Subasic after his deflected effort left the Croatian number one scrambling but the shot went wide.

On the stroke of half time, Ivan Perisic had Juanfran completing at sixes and sevens before swinging his cross into the Spanish area. Nikola Kalinic ghosted bast Sergio Ramos and beat De Gea with an improvised volley with the back of his heel to send his side into the break on level terms.

The second half began in a far more even fashion as Croatia gave as good as they got. Croatia’s best chance fell to Tin Jedvaj who called De Gea into action twice just before the hour mark. De Gea parried his first attempt away before rushing out to block his next effort as Spain survived some pressure, their first bit of sustained defending in the tournament.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers then took centre stage denying Croatia a penalty after Ramos look to have committed a foul in his own area.

Silva then earned Spain a penalty after being adjudged to have been barged over in the 70th minute by Vrsaljko. Replays suggested the decision was poor.

Ramos stepped up for the spot kick ahead of the likes of Fabregas and Iniesta but was denied a goal by Subasic. Replays showed the Croatian to be a metre off his line by when Ramos struck his effort on goal but no re-take was ordered by Kuipers.

.@SergioRamos‘ penalty miss…#CROESP pic.twitter.com/Kc4uR6Pu3I

— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 21, 2016

Spain coach Vincente Del Bosque made a number of defensive changes and changed his formation from 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1 as he looked to secure the draw that would keep his side at the top of the group.

Del Bosque’s side looked tired and ultimately paid the price for Ramos’ penalty miss as Perisic took full advantage of a swift counter attack.

Darijo Srna blocked a shot on his goal which sparked the attack as Croatia moved upfield before Perisic drove his low effort past De Gea at the near post. A goal that helped his side to the top spot in Group D.

Spain must now regather for a last 16 meeting with Italy.