In a thrilling quarter-final match of the Nations League on March 23, 2025, the Netherlands faced off against Spain at Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, where the encounter ended in a nail-biting 3-3 draw after extra time. This carefully contested match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which saw Spain emerge victorious with a score of 5-4, eliminating the Netherlands from the tournament.
Early on, Spain took control of the match when Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty in the 8th minute, putting the Dutch side on the back foot with a 1-0 lead. The penalty was awarded after Jan Paul van Hecke fouled Oyarzabal while attempting to defend. The Spanish forward confidently executed the penalty, sending his shot low and hard past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Despite falling behind quickly, the Netherlands rallied and worked to regain their footing. Their efforts bore fruit when Memphis Depay was fouled in the penalty area by Robin Le Normand in the 52nd minute. Depay took the spot-kick himself, making no mistake as he struck the ball into the top corner, equalizing the score at 1-1. This goal marked his 47th international goal in his 100th appearance for the Netherlands, showcasing his importance to the team.
However, Spain responded robustly to the Dutch equalizer. Just 15 minutes later, in the 67th minute, Oyarzabal scored again, this time finding the net from close range after a well-executed counter-attack by Spain, making it 2-1.
With time running out, the pressure mounted on the Netherlands, who managed to equalize once more in the 79th minute. Ian Maatsen, recently introduced as a substitute for the suspended Jorrel Hato, found the back of the net, blasting a shot past Unai Simón from a Xavi Simons assist, leveling the score at 2-2.
As the match headed into the final moments, the drama continued. Lamine Yamal scored for Spain in the 103rd minute, allowing the home side to take a 3-2 lead. Still, true to form, the Netherlands displayed their resilience and fought back. In the 109th minute, Xavi Simons earned a penalty when he was fouled by Simón, successfully converting the penalty to draw the match at 3-3. This remarkable sequence of events exemplified the determination of both teams in a match full of highs and lows.
After the conclusion of regular time and extra time, both teams proceeded to a penalty shootout, where the tension was palpable. Virgil van Dijk scored the opening penalty for the Netherlands, and the initial exchanges saw both sides scoring their first attempts. However, in a shocking turn, Noa Lang, who was set to take the fourth penalty for the Netherlands, missed his shot. Meanwhile, Yamal also failed to convert for Spain, setting the stage for a gripping finish to the shootout.
As the shootout continued, both teams seemed unable to find their rhythm, with Dutch substitute Donyell Malen failing to score on his penalty. Spain’s Pedri then stepped up to take the final penalty of the shootout—his shot successfully finding the back of the net and securing Spain's place in the semi-finals against France.
The final tally from the penalty shootout registered at 5-4 in favor of Spain, ending the Netherlands' campaign in the Nations League. The outcome was bittersweet for the Dutch, who had displayed remarkable fighting spirit throughout the match, but ultimately fell short against a resilient Spanish side.
This clash was not only crucial for the statistics but also held emotional significance. It took place amid the backdrop of honoring the victims of the floods in Valencia in 2024, which underscored the solidarity within the football community. The KNVB had donated €10,000 to support the affected clubs, demonstrating the sport's role beyond mere competition.
In summary, the match culminated in a spectacular showcase of football, marking a notable chapter in the storied rivalry between the Netherlands and Spain. Their respective journeys in this prestigious tournament reset as Spain looks ahead to the semi-finals scheduled for June 2025, while the Netherlands will reflect on lessons learned from their hard-fought exit.
