- Spain salvaged a late 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final
- The Dutch turned the game around after trailing early but were reduced to 10 men in the 82nd minute
- Mikel Merino struck in stoppage time to rescue a result for the reigning European champions
Key Takeaways:
The Netherlands and Spain played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Rotterdam in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final. European champions Spain trailed for most of the second half but found a late equaliser at De Kuip.
Spain struck first in the 9th minute when Pedri managed to find Nico Williams after a scramble in the box. The Athletic Bilbao forward made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to give his side the early lead.
This tifo before the Netherlands vs. Spain game 😍 pic.twitter.com/lg2mepNP8g
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) March 21, 2025
The Netherlands responded in the 28th minute through Cody Gakpo. Justin Kluivert spotted the Liverpool forward in space inside the penalty area and delivered a precise pass, allowing Gakpo to send his shot past Unai Simon and make it 1-1. The Dutch completed their turnaround just a minute into the second half. Jeremie Frimpong set up Tijjani Reijnders, and the Milan midfielder smashed the ball into the net from close range, leaving Simón with no chance.
The hosts, however, were reduced to 10 men in the 82nd minute after Jorrel Hato received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Martín Zubimendi. The dismissal proved costly as Spain capitalised on their numerical advantage. Deep into stoppage time, Nico Williams drove towards the centre and fired a shot, which was initially saved by Bart Verbruggen. However, Mikel Merino was quickest to react, rifling home the rebound from the edge of the six-yard box to secure a dramatic equaliser.