Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol started for Croatia, Bernardo Silva featured for Portugal and James McAtee gained another England Under-21s cap.
The Blues’ Croatian duo both took to the field at Hampden Park as Zlatko Dalic’s side narrowly lost 1-0 to Scotland in the Nations League.
Steve Clarke’s side produced the first chance of the night when Scott McTominay’s drilled effort was well saved by Dominik Kotarski.
And Croatia’s task was made harder on the cusp of half-time when Petar Sucic was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Dalic’s team looked likely to hold on for a point thanks, in-part, to their strong defending.
However, John McGinn struck in the 87th minute to break Croatian hearts when the ball fell into his path before the Aston Villa midfielder slammed low inside the right post.
At Estadio de Drago, Portugal beat Poland 5-1 with Bernardo playing 77 minutes.
Following a goalless first half, Rafael Leo broke the deadlock for Roberto Martinez’s side when he headed home Nuno Mendes’ cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Jakub Kiwior was adjudged to have handled in the area.
Portugal then all-but secured the points when quickfire goals from Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto extended the lead further for the the 2016 European champions.
They weren’t finished there, though, as Ronaldo netted his second of the afternoon before Dominik Marczuk pulled a goal back for Poland in the closing stages.
Earlier in the evening, McAtee played 92 minutes as England U21s drew 0-0 with Spain.
In an even encounter, the Young Lions registered six shots at the Estadio Municipal de La Linea de la Concepcion but couldn’t find the goal they craved in the friendly.
City’s forward played the majority of the match before being replaced by Norwich’s Ben Chrisene in second half stoppage time.
