Spain edged past the Netherlands on penalties following a six-goal thriller to progress to the Nations League semi-final.
The hosts started well and took an early lead through Mikel Oyarzabal from the spot, only for the Dutch to level with their own penalty after the break - Memphis Depay this time firing high and central from the spot.
Oyarzabal then tucked away his second, finishing off a brilliant Spain counter attack, before Ian Maatsen pegged the hosts back once more to force the game into extra time.
Lamine Yamal looked to have put Spain on course to victory, but it was Xavi Simons who bagged the Netherlands's third equaliser of the night with another penalty, setting up a dramatic shootout finale.
Donyell Malen had his crucial spot-kick saved after misses from Noa Lang and Yamal for both teams as Spain booked their place in the last four.
Relive all the action and reaction from the Mestalla below:
Spain vs Netherlands LIVE
- FULL-TIME! Spain 3-3 Netherlands (Spain win 5-4 penalties)
- 109' GOAL! Simons equalises from the spot after being fouled [ESP 3-3 NED, agg. 5-5]
- 103' GOAL! Yamal puts Spain back in front in extra time [ESP 3-2 NED, agg. 5-4]
- 79' GOAL! Maatsen fires in to equalise again [ESP 2-2 NED, agg. 4-4]
- 67' GOAL! Oyarzabal bags a brace after brilliant counter [ESP 2-1 NED, agg. 4-3]
- 54' GOAL! Depay equalise from the penalty spot [ESP 1-1 NED, agg. 3-3]
- 11' DISALLOWED GOAL! Oyarazabal sees second chalked off for offside [ESP 1-0 NED, agg. 3-2]
- 8' GOAL! Oyarzabal gives La Roja the lead from the spot [ESP 1-0 NED, agg. 3-2]
Up next
23:00 , Chris WilsonSpain now progress into the semi-finals of the Nations League. They will face France in the semi-finals, which will be held in Germany after they beat Italy tonight.
The semi-finals take place across 4 and 5 June, before the final on 8 June.
Germany will play Portugal in the other semi-final.
Nations League quarter-final scores
22:39Here’s a full rundown of the other quarter-final scores tonight.
Spain 3-3 Netherlands (5-4 pens)
Portugal 5-2 Denmark (5-3 agg.)
France 2-0 Croatia (5-4 pens)
Germany 3-3 Italy (5-4 agg.)
FULL-TIME! Spain 3-3 Netherlands (5-4 penalties)
22:32 , Chris WilsonWell, what a game and what a tie overall!
Penalties were needed to separate the two sides but in truth, over the balance of the match, Spain deserved to go through.
The Netherlands were good value and played some quality stuff at times, but the hosts were the superior side tonight and take a deserved place in the last four.
They’ll face the winner of Croatia vs France, which itself is at penalties!
SPAIN WIN ON PENALTIES: Spain 5-4 Netherlands
22:30 , Chris WilsonGOAL! And Spain have won it!
Pedri steps up to take and he knocks it high, out of reach of Verbruggen, and Spain move into the semi-finals!
PENALTIES: Spain 4-4 Netherlands
22:29 , Chris WilsonMISS!
Malen steps up for his side’s sixth penalty – and Simon saves!
He guesses right and gets his hand low to keep it out.
PENALTIES: Spain 4-4 Netherlands
22:28 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
What a penalty that is! He goes across his body and right into the left-hand corner.
PENALTIES: Spain 3-4 Netherlands
22:27 , Chris WilsonIt’s Alex Baena to step up and keep Spain in it....
PENALTIES: Spain 3-4 Netherlands
22:27 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Taylor steps up and it’s calm and collected as he sends Simon the wrong way and places it in the opposite corner.
PENALTIES: Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:26 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Yamal to take – it’s a terrible penalty in truth.
No power, not placed well at all and Verbruggen saves so easily!
PENALTIES: Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:26 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Noa Lang steps up and rifles it high – and it cannons back off the underside of the crossbar!
PENALTIES: Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:25 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Some theatrics from Verbruggen beforehand but Garcia fires it low and it goes in despite the ‘keeper getting a hand to it.
PENALTIES: Spain 2-3 Netherlands
22:24 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Can Simons repeat his earlier penalty heroics? He can.
It’s another accomplished effort, right into the corner. It hits the side-netting and Simon barely even moves.
PENALTIES: Spain 2-2 Netherlands
22:23 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Torres to take the second for Spain.
It's a good low effort and it slides past Verburggen. Good penalty.
PENALTIES: Spain 1-2 Netherlands
22:22 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Koopmeiners is next up for the Netherlands.
He steps up and fires in a low effort that Simon once again gets a hand to, but can’t keep out.
PENALTIES: Spain 1-1 Netherlands
22:22 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
It’s Merino who takes first for Spain.
He sends the ‘keeper the wrong way and converts.
PENALTIES: Spain 0-1 Netherlands
22:21 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Van Dijk steps up and rifles in his effort, though Simon got a hand to it! Should’ve done better really.
PENALTIES! Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:20 , Chris WilsonIt’ll be van Dijk to take first!
FULL-TIME! Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:19 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in preparations for the shootout then. The captains are deciding who’ll take first and at which end.
FULL-TIME! Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:17 , Chris Wilson120 mins
Just a minute of added time as Spain attack, but they can't make anything of it....and it’s full-time! Penalties to come.
Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:16119 mins
Into the final minute here and it seems we’re destined for penalties. We’ve had enough in the match already but here we are.
Chance for a final counter for the Dutch as Malen’s ball runs across to Lang, before Maatsen is dragged down in the area...no penalty!
Moments later, Malen has a chance to win it but Simon makes the save!
Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:13 , Chris Wilson116 mins
One more change for Spain as Williams comes off for Villarreal’s Alex Baena.
Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:12115 mins
Both sides are still pressing for the winner here, which is making for an entertaining spectacle, though neither is able to fashion a clear-cut chance at the moment.
Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:09 , Chris Wilson113 mins
Another change for the Dutch too as Koopmeiners comes on for Reijnders.
Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:08 , Chris Wilson112 mins
Plenty of energy still left in this one clearly, as Brobbey chases a ball and Simon almost handles it outside the area.
GOAL! Spain 3-3 Netherlands
22:05 , Chris Wilson109 mins
GOAL! It’s a great penalty from Simons, who rifles it low and right into the corner past Simon, who had dived the right way.
PENALTY TO NETHERLANDS! Spain 3-2 Netherlands
22:05 , Chris Wilson108 mins
Unbelievable!
It’s another clear penalty as the Dutch move the ball forwards and it bounces into the path of Xavi Simons. He nudges it past Simon and the ‘keeper takes him down - it’s given after the Dutch fail to turn in the rebound!
Spain 3-2 Netherlands
22:03 , Chris Wilson107 mins
Another chance for Spain as Torres is released down the wing before cutting inside and scuffing his effort. If he’d looked up, he’d have seen Yamal in acres of space on the other side of the box.
KICK-OFF! Spain 3-2 Netherlands
22:02Were back underway at the Mestalla.
Changes for both sides as Kenneth Taylor replaces de Jong for the Dutch and Aleix García comes on for Zubimendi for Spain.
HALF-TIME! Spain 3-2 Netherlands
21:59 , Chris Wilson105 mins
A brilliant chance to end the half falls to Williams, but his shot is blocked.
It was great work from Williams initially to wait and pick out the pass to Yamal, who returned the favour but van Hecke was equal to it.
The referee blows the whistle and we have a brief break.
Spain 3-2 Netherlands
21:57 , Chris Wilson105 mins
We’re almost at half-time here, and there’s one minute added on.
The home crowd are pretty jubilant as you’d imagine.
GOAL! Spain 3-2 Netherlands
21:56 , Chris Wilson103 mins
Until now!
It’s brilliant from the youngsters as Huijsen plays an inch-perfect ball over the top to Yamal, who then cuts inside Maatsen and drives a brilliant effort into the far corner. Textbook stuff.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:54 , Chris Wilson102 mins
Spain still having far more of the ball but there are no gaps opening up at the moment...
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:53 , Chris Wilson100 mins
Another change for the Dutch as Depay makes way for Brian Brobbey.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:51 , Chris Wilson98 mins
Spain are beginning to exert more control now, and are enjoying plenty of the ball, but still no chances for either side in extra time.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:48 , Chris Wilson95 mins
It’s all a bit pedestrian to start extra time, perhaps understandably.
Yamal sprays a great ball to Williams but his touch is too heavy and it runs out of play.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:46 , Chris Wilson94 mins
Porro comes on for Mingueza. Both sides have room for a couple more changes here.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:45 , Chris Wilson92 mins
Some early pressure from the hosts ends with the chance going begging in the box.
Pedro Porro is being readied on the sideline.
KICK-OFF! Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:42 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway already, with the Netherlands getting us started again.
FULL-TIME! Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:37 , Chris WilsonThere’s a brief half-chance for the Dutch s Malen makes his way into the box but he doesn’t play the cross and the referee blows the final whistle!
We’re heading into 30 minutes of extra time at the Mestalla.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:36 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
It looks like we’re heading to extra time as Spain look for a winner, with both Williams and Yamal having shots blocked.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:3490 mins
Three minutes of added time here as Williams cuts in and curls an effort straight at Verbruggen.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:33 , Chris Wilson89 mins
CLOSE! Almost a winner from Depay.
It’s worked wide on the left and the early cross comes in from near the byline, with Depay sneaking in and almost poking it past Simon, but he recovers to make the save.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:30 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Another reminder of the danger from the Dutch as Reijnders fires a low effort too close to Simon.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:29 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Yamal’s cross is very close to reaching Cucurella at the far post, but he can’t poke it back across goal.
Spain have been applying plenty of pressure since the equaliser, but it’s end-to-end stuff here.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:27 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Some good work from Yamal on the right wins Spain a corner.
Before it’s taken, La Roja bring on Pedri and Mikel Merino for Olmo and Fabian Ruiz.
Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:26 , Chris Wilson82 mins
That’s a goal for Maatsen on his debut, and the Dutch are level again.
De la Fuente is preparing changes as Reijnders sees a shot blocked from range.
GOAL! Spain 2-2 Netherlands
21:24 , Chris Wilson79 mins
GOAL! More quality play here.
Olmo fails to clear in his own area and Lang pokes the ball back to Simons, who has the presence of mind to cushion a pass to an unmarked Maatsen, who rifles an effort into the far corner! What a finish.
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:21 , Chris Wilson78 mins
First changes of the night for Spain as Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen and Noa Lang come on for Gakpo, Geertruida and Kluivert.
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:20 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Just a reminder to be alert for the Spanish as a long ball forward forces Simon to race off his line and clear.
The Dutch recycle possession but it ends with nobody able to meet van Hecke’s brilliant hooked cross.
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:17 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Frimpong sees his cross put behind for a corner, and the cross is headed down by van Hecke before Reijnders forces a save with a clever flick.
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:15 , Chris Wilson73 mins
So much quality on display tonight and it has shown when it really mattered so far. It was superb play from Nico Williams in the lead-up to the second.
Spain are knocking it around confidently now, with cheers coming after every completed pass at the moment!
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:1469 mins
That was Oyarzabal’s last action of the game as he is replaced by Ferran Torres.
GOAL! Spain 2-1 Netherlands
21:1267 mins
GOAL!
The curse of the commentator! It’s a brilliant counter-attacking goal from La Roja.
Brilliant play from Williams too, as he receives the ball off Oyarzabal and beats the defender before playing a great reverse pass back to the striker, who initial chip is partially blocked before it bounces perfectly and he heads the rebound into an empty net.
Spain 1-1 Netherlands
21:10 , Chris Wilson65 mins
A dangerous cross from Frimpong into the area between ‘keeper and defenders, but Gakpo can’t arrive to finish.
Spain look to apply some pressure of their own but Olmo’s cross is wayward.
The visitors have really grown into it since their goal.
Spain 1-1 Netherlands
21:05 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Another chance for Spain as Williams weaves behind the defence but the angle is too tight, and Verbruggen saves again.
From the corner, Fabian Ruiz fires well over.
Spain 1-1 Netherlands
21:04 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Great play from Yamal as he picks up the one-two pass before skipping past a challenge and moving it back onto his left foot, but he fires straight at Verbruggen.
Moemnts later, Depay picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on the Barca youngster.
Spain 1-1 Netherlands
21:00 , Chris Wilson57 mins
The Dutch come hunting another goal right away and a great dummy from Reijnders gives Frimpong a chance, but he fires over.
Moments later, Depay cuts in and his low driven effort forces a great save from Simon, low to his right.
GOAL! Spain 1-1 Netherlands
20:57 , Chris Wilson54 mins
GOAL!
Depay steps up to take the spot-kick and he rifles it into the top of the net, sending Simon the wrong way.
PENALTY TO NETHERLANDS! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:56 , Chris Wilson52 mins
PENALTY! A lifeline for the Dutch.
They keep the ball well for a minute or so before Frimpong loops in a brilliant cross towards Depay. He’s tussling with Le Normand in the box and goes down, and the ref doesn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot!
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:55 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Spain concede a free-kick close to the area on the wing, but Depay’s delivery is poor.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:52 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Chances for both sides within the first two minutes of the half as the ball is played into the box and Kluivert races onto it, forcing Simon into a good save.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:50 , Chris Wilson46 mins
So close to a great early chance for the Spanish as Williams squares a great pass to Olmo, who burst into the box but just can’t quite get the shot away.
From the corner, it’s headed across goal but Mingueza can’t adjust his feet to poke in at the back post.
KICK-OFF! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:48 , Chris WilsonSpain get the second half started.
HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:47 , Chris WilsonBoth teams are re-emerging from the tunnel at the Mestalla, so we’ll be back underway very soon.
HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:43 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:38It was enthralling opening period in Valencia as Spain started the brighter of the two teams and soon had the goal to show for it, with Oyarzabal scoring from the spot and then coming close to doubling the lead.
Spain had the better of the chances since then too, though the Dutch have grown into the game and you’d expect them to improve the quality of their chances in the second half.
All to play for at the Mestalla.
HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:33 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
The half ends with a Spain attack, as Williams ships it on to Cucurella, whose cross is cleared before Williams tests Verbruggen with a tame volley.
The referee brings the half to an end and Spain lead the match and the tie by a goal at the break.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:32 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Frimpong briefly threatens for the first time this half but he slips as he tries to play the cross. That sums up the half for the Dutch really.
There’ll be just one minute of added time.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:29 , Chris Wilson43 mins
The Dutch have been applying pressure over the last couple of minutes but Spain still seem fairly comfortable, with Gakpo the latest to see a cross blocked.
Spain break but it’s well-read from van Hecke before Oyarzabal is flagged offside.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:28 , Chris Wilson41 mins
The hosts recycled possession around the Dutch penalty box for a while there but they’re certainly in no rush, with the Dutch sitting off for a while before Mingueza wastes possession with a poor cross.
He makes up for it at the other end with a good clearance though.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:27 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Another wasted opportunity as Yamal has plenty of space to thread a pass to Williams, but it’s behind the Bilbao winger.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:24 , Chris Wilson37 mins
The match has definitely calmed down somewhat, though this tempo will suit the home side. They’re knocking it around well in defence and midfield.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:21 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Better from the Netherlands as Gakpo’s cross earns them their first corner of the match.
Van Dijk heads it down in the area but it’s cleared, before Geertruida fires a decent effort that forces Verbruggen into a comfortable save.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:19 , Chris Wilson32 mins
The hosts waste a decent chance with a 4-v-4 in defence but in truth it’s good defensive work from van Hecke to dispossess Williams.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:17 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Still not quite clicking in attack for the Dutch, with Gakpo and then Depay both playing misplaced passes before Ruiz shepherds the ball out of play.
For all their possession, the Dutch don’t have a real chance of note to report, and they’re deservedly behind.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:14 , Chris Wilson26 mins
It’s been an exceptionally eventful first half of the first half, it must be said. Now Williams is down wanting a penalty, but it’s waved away.
The Netherlands have settled more since the goal, but it’s Spain providing the constant threat.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:12 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Now it’s the Netherlands chance to attack, but it ends with Kluivert firing a shot over. It’s still Spain looking the most dangerous, despite the Dutch possession.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:10 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Depay wants a penalty after being dragged down by Le Normand but nothing doing for the ref.
At the other end, Huijsen threads another pass to Williams, who cuts back outside but sees his shot blocked.
The left-hand wing has been a dangerous outlet there for the Spanish, with Huijsen and Williams linking well.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:06 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Spain are certainly dominating here and Olmo is almost through to square a cross after Mingueza’s brilliant through ball, but the ball in is blocked.
Spain keep hold of it and it ends with Ruiz volleying in a cross too close to Verbruggen.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:0215 mins
The first real chance of the match for the Dutch as Reijnders volleys an effort wide from a decent cutback.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands
20:00 , Chris Wilson13 mins
The Dutch need some time to catch their breath now and they’re knocking it around the Spain box before Huijsen makes a good interception.
The centre-back exchanges passes before slipping a ball into the path of Williams, who surges towards goal and forces a good save from Verbruggen.
What a start this has been for La Roja.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
19:59 , Chris Wilson11 mins
It looked like Spain had doubled the lead but it’s offside. It’ll be checked!
It all comes from some lovely play in the middle from Yamal, who beats two men near halfway and runs into space. He sees Oyarzabal making the run and threads it through, with the scorer squeezing a great finish into the far corner, but he’d strayed off.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Netherlands
19:55 , Chris Wilson8 mins
GOAL!
Oyarzabal steps up an d rifles his penalty low and hard into the corner! 1-0 to La Roja.
PENALTY TO SPAIN! Spain 0-0 Netherlands
19:54 , Chris Wilson7 mins
PENALTY! The referee points to the spot after van Hecke brings down Oyarzabal in the box. It’s clumsy, but soft.
Spain 0-0 Netherlands
19:53 , Chris Wilson6 mins
The first real injection of pace sees Williams beat his man before he’s tackled, but Spain keep the pressure on...
Spain 0-0 Netherlands
19:50 , Chris Wilson3 mins
It’s a little scrappy early on from both sides, with neither able to keep the ball for very long.
Both sides just looking to settle at the moment.
Spain 0-0 Netherlands
19:47 , Chris Wilson1 min
Early pressure in the press from Spain and de Jong puts a little too much on a backpass to Verbruggen, but the ‘keeper manages to clear.
KICK-OFF! Spain 0-0 Netherlands
19:46 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Mestalla! The Netherlands get us started.
Spain vs Netherlands LIVE
19:40 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at the Mestalla, and we’re just around five minutes from kick-off here.
Should be a fascinating second leg in Valencia.
De la Fuente: "I couldn't have asked for more"
19:37 , Chris WilsonSpain boss Luis de la Fuente says that he “couldn't have asked for more from these players” during the first leg.
“We're up against a great opponent. We won more duels, we finished well and we weren't at the mercy of our opponent.
“They're very powerful, and it was a match worthy of a final,” he added.
Previous meetings: Netherlands 0-1 Spain, 2010 WC Final
19:30 , Chris WilsonThe most famous match between these two came in 2010, at the World Cup Final in Johannesburg.
After a match that had seen plenty of missed chances, a red card for John Heitinga and a blatant red card not given to Nigel de Jong, Andres Iniesta popped up with a lovely half-volley to give La Roja their maiden World Cup win.
Having won Euro 2008, this result sealed Spain’s dominance at international level, with players including Xavi, David Villa and Cesc Fabregas featuring again as La Roja won Euro 2012 in style.
For the Netherlands, it was another heartbreak on the biggest stage.
Koeman: "I expect another match of high intensity"
19:22 , Chris WilsonDutch boss Koeman says he is expecting another high-intensity match today, adding that “both teams can also learn from last Thursday, with things that can be improved”.
“The result was 2-2, but there were many moments when Spain were under pressure. We can still do better, but I was satisfied with Thursday.
“I think that was our best performance so far from my second spell as national coach,” he added.
Previous meetings: Spain 1-5 Netherlands, 2014 World Cup
19:15 , Chris WilsonIf the 2010 World Cup win signalled Spain as one of the great sides in football history, this match was the one that signalled the end of that dynasty.
Four years on from the win in South Africa, these two sides met again in Group B in Brazil, and the Netherlands got their revenge in spectacular style.
Despite Spain going 1-0 up through a Xabi Alonso penalty, the Dutch hit back through a now-famous van Persie header before Arjen Robben gave them the lead.
From there it was one-way traffic as both van Persie and Roben secured a brace after Stefan de Vrij had made it 3-1, giving the Netherlands one of the most famous results in recent World Cup history.
Head-to-head
19:05 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 13 times in the past, with Spain winning four, the Netherlands winning six and three ending as draws.
Before last week, the last two meetings both came in friendlies, with the Dutch winning 2-0 in 2015 before a 1-1 draw in 2020.
When are the Nations League semi-finals?
18:55 , Chris WilsonThe semi-finals and final of the tournament take place across a ‘finals’ weekend this summer, which begins on 4 June.
The second semi-final is on 5 June, with the final and third-place match taking place on 8 June.
The rest of the tournament will be held either in Germany or Italy, depending on which side wins that quarter-final between those two nations.
If in Italy, the matches will take place in Turin, while they’ll be across Munich and Stuttgart if Germany win.
Confirmed Netherlands lineup
18:43 , Will CastleNetherlands XI: Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Dijk, Van Hecke; Frimpong, Reijnders, De Jong, Maatsen; Gakpo, Kluivert, Memphis
The #ESPNED squad. 🇳🇱#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/RjRupAnX2v
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 23, 2025
Confirmed Spain lineup
18:31 , Will CastleSpain XI: Simon; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal
🚨 OFFICIAL | 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗣.
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 23, 2025
👥 These are the players chosen for what is like a "final" at the Mestalla. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/n9ktPJnETX
More Nations League action
18:25 , Chris WilsonScotland’s clash with Greece is the start of a big day of Nations League action on Sunday.
In two other play-offs, the Republic of Ireland face Bulgaria while Belgium play host to Ukraine, with both Ireland and Belgium returning to home soil with advantages from the away legs.
And there are two major heavyweight clashes in the quarter-finals, as Germany take on Italy while the Netherlands travel to Spain.
France also take on Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, while Portugal host Denmark. Both Croatia and Denmark are on course to pull off an upset win over their respective opponents after emerging victorious at home in midweek.
Story of the first leg
18:10 , Chris WilsonThe first leg was an entertaining match at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium, with Spain taking an early lead through Nico Williams despite early Dutch domination.
From there the Dutch continued to dominate and secured the comeback after goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders either side if half-time.
It was looking fairly comfortable for the hosts after that, until Jorrel Hato slid in studs-up and was given a red card for his challenge.
And the match completely changed from there, with Spain’s pressure eventually telling with a 93rd-minute goal from Mikel Merino.
Is the match on TV?
17:55 , Chris WilsonWhen is the Spain vs the Netherlands?
The second leg of the Nations League quarter-final is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Sunday 23 March at Metsalla Stadium in Valencia.
How can I watch it?
There is no television coverage of the fixture in the United Kingdom. The game will, however, be available on Amazon Prime Video pay-per-view for £2.49, coverage starts at 7:35pm GMT.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
