Spain vs. Netherlands | Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 2nd Leg | Pre Match
Spain vs. Netherlands
Spain and the Netherlands will lock horns for the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final on Sunday evening, with the tie delicately poised following a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Rotterdam. The first leg on Thursday night was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the competitive fire of both teams as they vie for a spot in the semi-finals against either Croatia or France in June. Spain, the reigning champions of this competition after their penalty shootout triumph over Croatia in the 2022-23 final, started brightly with Nico Williams breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute, raising hopes of a comfortable evening for Luis de la Fuente’s side. However, the Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, responded with resilience, overturning the deficit through Cody Gakpo’s equalizer and Tijjani Reijnders’ strike early in the second half to take a 2-1 lead. Just when it seemed Oranje might seize control of the tie, a late twist saw substitute Mikel Merino capitalize on a fumble from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who failed to hold onto a shot from Williams, allowing Merino to nod home a dramatic equalizer in the dying moments. That goal ensured La Roja left Rotterdam with a valuable draw, keeping their hopes alive as they return to Spanish soil. For the Netherlands, the late concession was a blow, compounded by Jorrel Hato’s red card in the 81st minute, leaving them a man down and facing a challenging task in the return leg. Sunday’s clash promises to be a tactical chess match, with Spain’s unbeaten competitive record since March 2023 on the line and the Netherlands aiming to prove their mettle against one of Europe’s elite.
Oranje came from a goal behind to lead 2-1 early in the second period on Thursday night, but substitute Mikel Merino netted a last-gasp leveller for La Roja, who are the reigning champions of this competition. The Dutch performance in Rotterdam was a testament to their growing confidence under Koeman, who has steered the team to just one defeat in their last seven matches across all competitions. Gakpo’s goal, a clinical finish that leveled the score before halftime, highlighted his importance to the side, while Reijnders’ effort shortly after the break showcased the midfield dynamism that has become a hallmark of this Dutch squad. For much of the second half, the Netherlands looked comfortable, controlling possession and threatening to extend their lead, only for Hato’s dismissal to shift the momentum. The young defender’s rash challenge on Robin Le Normand earned him a straight red card, forcing Oranje into a defensive posture as Spain piled on late pressure. Verbruggen’s error on Williams’ shot proved costly, as Merino’s predatory instincts kept Spain in the tie. Despite the setback, the Netherlands can draw encouragement from their ability to twice come from behind against a Spanish side that had won six straight games entering the contest. Holland’s run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where they fell to England, and their second-place finish in their Nations League group behind Germany (nine points from six matches) underline their credentials as a team on the rise. A victory in Spain would not only secure a semi-final berth but also signal their readiness to reclaim a place among Europe’s top contenders, a status they last held when finishing as runners-up in the 2018-19 Nations League, losing 1-0 to France.
Spain made the perfect start to Thursday's first leg, with Nico Williams making the breakthrough in the ninth minute, but the Netherlands answered back through Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders to take a 2-1 lead in the tie. Williams’ early strike, a moment of individual brilliance, set the tone for what appeared to be another dominant display from La Roja, who have been nearly invincible in competitive fixtures since their 2-0 loss to Scotland in March 2023. However, De la Fuente’s side struggled to maintain their intensity after the opening exchanges, allowing the Netherlands to grow into the game and eventually seize the initiative. Gakpo’s equalizer before the break exposed a rare lapse in Spain’s defense, while Reijnders’ goal early in the second half punished a sluggish restart from the hosts. For long stretches of the second period, Spain appeared disjointed, unable to replicate the fluidity that has defined their recent success, including their Nations League title defense and Euro 2024 triumph. It wasn’t until Merino’s introduction that they found a lifeline, with the substitute’s late header preserving their unbeaten streak and shifting the pressure back onto the Netherlands for the return leg. Spain’s record against the Dutch since the 2010 World Cup final—where Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured the title—remains unblemished, with their last two encounters (a 1-1 friendly in 2020 and Thursday’s draw) ending level. As reigning champions with a squad blending youth and experience, Spain are favored to progress, but the Netherlands’ resilience and attacking threat make this a far from straightforward assignment. Sunday’s match in Spain will test La Roja’s ability to regroup and assert their dominance at home, where they’ll aim to extend their competitive invincibility and march toward another semi-final appearance.
Netherlands were comfortable at 2-1 in the first leg before Jorrel Hato was sent off, with the youngster given his marching orders in the 81st minute of the contest for a rash challenge on Robin Le Normand. Up until that point, Koeman’s side had managed the game well, frustrating Spain’s attempts to break them down while posing a threat on the counter through Gakpo and Reijnders. Hato’s red card, however, changed the complexion of the tie, leaving the Dutch a man short and vulnerable to Spain’s late onslaught. The subsequent error from Verbruggen, a goalkeeper who has been a reliable presence for club and country, handed Spain the equalizer and shifted the momentum heading into the second leg. Despite the disappointment, the Netherlands’ performance was a marked improvement from their fourth-place finish in the 2023 Nations League, where they lost to Croatia in the semi-finals and then fell to Italy in the third-place playoff. Their Euro 2024 campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals before a narrow defeat to England, further demonstrated their potential, and this quarter-final tie offers a chance to take another step forward. A talented squad featuring the likes of Memphis Depay, Xavi Simons, and Gakpo is capable of challenging any opponent, and a victory over Spain—their first since a 5-1 thrashing in the 2014 World Cup—would be a statement of intent ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Hato suspended and Jurrien Timber sidelined by illness, Koeman faces a defensive reshuffle, but the Dutch will travel to Spain with belief, knowing they’ve already pushed La Roja to the brink.
Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi was forced off in the latter stages of the first period on Thursday; the Barcelona defender has since withdrawn from the squad, so he will not be involved on Sunday night. His absence opens the door for Dean Huijsen, who replaced him in Rotterdam, to make a full debut in central defense alongside Le Normand, a potential changing of the guard for a Spanish backline that has been a cornerstone of their success. De la Fuente is unlikely to tinker too much elsewhere, with Merino and Dani Olmo pushing for starts after their impact off the bench but likely remaining substitutes, preserving the continuity of a lineup led by captain Alvaro Morata up top. Williams, whose pace and directness troubled the Dutch, will be key again, while Spain report no other injury concerns. For the Netherlands, Ian Maatsen’s late call-up replaces the suspended Hato, with Jeremie Frimpong expected to shift to right-back and Lutsharel Geertruida moving to the left in a rejigged defense. Xavi Simons could come in on the right, joining Depay and Gakpo in a potent front three, with Justin Kluivert also in contention. As both teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown, Spain’s home advantage and unbeaten run give them the edge, but the Netherlands’ attacking flair and determination ensure this tie remains wide open, promising a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested quarter-final.
