Netherlands 2-2 Spain: La Roja survives a tumultuous day in Rotterdam

Spain and the Netherlands drew in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals on Thursday in Rotterdam (2-2). The hosts came back from an early goal scored by Nico Williams in the 9th minute with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders, but a goal from Mikel Merino in stoppage time allowed La Roja to save a draw that leaves the tie completely open for the return leg at Mestalla next Sunday (20:45 CEST).

The day was quite tumultuous for the national team, in a match marked by the usual strong tackling from the Dutch and the leniency of Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg. In the second half, the referee allowed more rough play than usual and had no choice but to send off a player from the 'Orange' in the final stretch. In total, the hosts committed 14 fouls, double that of the Spaniards (7).

Stunner from Nico Williams to open the scoring

The night started very well for Spain. Luis de la Fuente's team took the lead thanks to a steal by Lamine Yamal from Hato and an assist from Pedri González for Nico, who finished with his left foot, leaving Geertruida behind before executing a perfect half-turn shot. A stunning goal that seemed to pave the way for a historic victory for La Roja in a territory always challenging for European powers.

Reaction from the Netherlands and problems for La Roja

However, the hosts took control of the match after the first quarter of an hour. Spain, unusually, fell back into their half, largely due to the high pressure from Ronald Koeman's side. In the 28th minute, Cody Gakpo took advantage of a well-placed pass from Justin Kluivert to set himself up for a left-footed shot that struck the near post, unstoppable for Unai Simón.

Minutes later, the injury of Pau Cubarsí occurred, resulting from a harsh tackle by Memphis Depay while contesting a loose ball. The Barcelona center-back tried to continue but was forced to leave the field in the 40th minute due to pain in his right ankle. Debutant Dean Huijsen came on in his place, and La Roja, with difficulty, managed to hold the draw until halftime.

Spain salvaged a draw at the end

The 'Orange' regained the lead right after the start of the second half. A great run by Frimpong down the left allowed the Bayer Leverkusen full-back to leave Cucurella behind and deliver a lethal cross that Tijjani Reijnders volleyed, firing past Unai Simón. Everything seemed set for a Dutch victory, but the national team improved in the final 20 minutes with the substitutions of Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal for Pedri and Lamine Yamal.

The '19' did not have his best night, neutralized by the good defensive work of the hosts and the lack of a partner in attack, as Morata was quite disconnected. Towards the end, the expulsion of Jorrel Hato for a late tackle on Le Normand tilted the field in favor of a Spain pushing for the equalizer. In the 90+3', the long-awaited goal arrived, scored by Mikel Merino. The midfielder picked up a rebound from goalkeeper Verbruggen, who was caught off guard by a shot from Nico Williams from the left.

Thus, La Roja salvaged a draw with a taste of glory, although they still have not won away against the Netherlands. With Thursday's result, they have 4 losses in 6 outings for a Spain that has only managed to salvage two draws so far on Dutch soil. The return leg will be next Sunday at Mestalla, at 20:45. Additionally, the national team remains unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente after 22 official matches.

Technical sheet of the match Netherlands 2-2 Spain

• Netherlands, 2: Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Hato; Kluivert (min. 75, Xavi Simons), Reijnders (min. 90+1, Wieffer), De Jong (min. 75, Koopmeiners); Memphis Depay (min. 84, De Ligt), Gakpo and Frimpong
• Spain, 2: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsí (min. 40, Huijsen), Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz (min. 84, Mikel Merino), Zubimendi, Lamine Yamal (min. 66 Oyarzabal), Pedri (min. 66, Olmo), Nico Williams and Álvaro Morata (min. 66, Ayoze)
• Goals: 0-1, Nico Williams (min. 9); 1-1, Cody Gakpo (min. 28); 2-1, Tijjani Reijnders (min. 46); 2-2, Mikel Merino (min. 90+3).
• Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Cautioned Van Dijk and Gakpo for the Netherlands. For Spain, he cautioned Dean Huijsen and Ayoze Pérez. He also sent off Jorrel Hato for a second yellow card in the second half.
• Incidents: match corresponding to the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals 2024-25.