Spain vs Netherlands LIVE: Nations League updates as penalties loom in dramatic quarter-final

Spain vs Netherlands LIVE

• Spain take on the Netherlands in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final, with kick-off at 7.45pm
• Spain head into the game as favourites to progress after a late Mikel Merino equaliser in the first leg
• La Roja are the holders of the competition having won in 2023
• 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]

PENALTIES: Spain 3-3 Netherlands

MISSED!

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

MISSED!

Noa Lang steps up and rifles it high – and it cannons back off the underside of the crossbar!

PENALTIES: Spain 3-3 Netherlands

GOAL!

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

GOAL!

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

GOAL!

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

GOAL!

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

GOAL!

It’s Merino who takes first for Spain.

He sends the ‘keeper the wrong way and converts.

PENALTIES: Spain 0-1 Netherlands

GOAL!

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

It’ll be van Dijk to take first!

FULL-TIME! Spain 3-3 Netherlands

Both 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

120 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

119 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

116 mins

One more change for Spain as Williams comes off for Villarreal’s Alex Baena.

Spain 3-3 Netherlands

115 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

113 mins

Another change for the Dutch too as Koopmeiners comes on for Reijnders.

Spain 3-3 Netherlands

112 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

109 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

108 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

107 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

Were 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

105 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

105 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

103 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

102 mins

Spain still having far more of the ball but there are no gaps opening up at the moment...

Spain 2-2 Netherlands

100 mins

Another change for the Dutch as Depay makes way for Brian Brobbey.

Spain 2-2 Netherlands

98 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

95 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

94 mins

Porro comes on for Mingueza. Both sides have room for a couple more changes here.

Spain 2-2 Netherlands

92 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

We’re back underway already, with the Netherlands getting us started again.

FULL-TIME! Spain 2-2 Netherlands

There’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

90 +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

90 mins

Three minutes of added time here as Williams cuts in and curls an effort straight at Verbruggen.

Spain 2-2 Netherlands

89 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

87 mins

Another reminder of the danger from the Dutch as Reijnders fires a low effort too close to Simon.

Spain 2-2 Netherlands

85 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

83 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

82 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

79 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

78 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

77 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

74 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

73 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

69 mins

That was Oyarzabal’s last action of the game as he is replaced by Ferran Torres.

GOAL! Spain 2-1 Netherlands

67 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

65 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

62 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

60 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

57 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

54 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

52 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

50 mins

Spain concede a free-kick close to the area on the wing, but Depay’s delivery is poor.

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

47 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

46 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

Spain get the second half started.

HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands

Both teams are re-emerging from the tunnel at the Mestalla, so we’ll be back underway very soon.

HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands

HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands

It 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

45 +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

45 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

43 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

41 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

39 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

37 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

34 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

32 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

29 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

26 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

23 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

21 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

18 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

15 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

13 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

11 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

8 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

7 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

6 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

3 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

1 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

We’re underway at the Mestalla! The Netherlands get us started.

Spain vs Netherlands LIVE

Both 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"

Spain 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

The 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"

Dutch 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

If 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

These 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?

The 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

Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Dijk, Van Hecke; Frimpong, Reijnders, De Jong, Maatsen; Gakpo, Kluivert, Memphis

The #ESPNED squad. 🇳🇱#NothingLikeOranjepic.twitter.com/RjRupAnX2v

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 23, 2025

Confirmed Spain lineup

Spain XI: Simon; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal

🚨 OFFICIAL | 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗣.

👥 These are the players chosen for what is like a "final" at the Mestalla. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeaguepic.twitter.com/n9ktPJnETX

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 23, 2025

More Nations League action

Scotland’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

The 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?

When 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.

Predicted line-ups

Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Van Dijk, De Ligt, van Hecke; Frimpong, Reijnders, De Jong; Geertruida; Gakpo, Kluivert, Memphis

Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Netherlands team news

Ryan Gravenberch, Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten all withdrew from the Netherlands squad ahead of the first leg and will not be available for the second.

Uncapped Youri Baas did not feature last time out but with Jorrel Hato suspended he might be in contention to play with Mattijs de Ligt expected to start in the back line. Jurrien Timber could also replace Hato as a more like-for-like option in defence.

Spain team news

Mikel Merino’s heroics in the first leg may tempt Luis de la Fuente to hand him a starting berth for this one but it seems more likely that the manager names an unchanged line-up and calls on reinforcements from the bench.

Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado and Bryan Zaragoza are all injured and will play no part in the match.

Spain vs Netherlands LIVE

Spain resume their battle with the Netherlands tonight as both countries aim to secure a spot in the Nations League semi-finals.

A thrilling first leg ended in a 2-2 draw after Nico Williams had sent the Spaniards into the lead just nine minutes into the game before Cody Gakpo equalised and Tijjani Reijnders edged the Dutch ahead just after the break.

Jorrel Hato was sent off with 10 minutes to play, and will miss this game, while Mikel Merino’s 93rd minute finish ensured the tie remains on level terms.

The victor tonight will progress to the finals tournament in either Italy or Germany next June.

Spain vs Netherlands LIVE

Good evening and welcome to TheIndependent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Spain and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Nations League.

Both sides are vying for a place in the finals tournament in June, with Spain looking to retain the trophy they won in 2023.

And La Roja look to be in a good position to advance tonight after the 2-2 draw in Rotterdam in the first leg, though the Dutch proved then that they are capable of upsetting Luis de la Fuente’s side.