Spain qualified for the Final Four of the UEFA Nations League after defeating the Netherlands in a thrilling penalty shootout at Mestalla Stadium. The match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after regulation time and extra time. Valencia experienced a magical night, with a passionate crowd turning the stadium into a fortress. The game was dedicated to the victims of the DANA floods last October, adding a special meaning to the occasion.
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First half: Spain strikes first
The match began with maximum balance, as both teams tested each other cautiously, without taking excessive risks in attack. However, around the 10th minute, a penalty on Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock. The Real Sociedad forward stepped up and converted with confidence, putting Spain ahead and igniting the crowd.
After the goal, the Netherlands took control of possession, with Frenkie de Jong orchestrating the game and dictating their attacking play. However, the best chances still belonged to Spain, mainly thanks to Nico Williams, who continuously outpaced the Dutch defense with his speed on the counterattack. Spain went into halftime with the lead, looking poised to extend their advantage.
Second half: The Netherlands responds, but Oyarzabal strikes again
The second half started with a blow for Spain. Just minutes after the restart, Robin Le Normand fell into Memphis Depay’s trap, conceding a penalty for holding inside the box. Depay made no mistake, sending Unai Simón the wrong way and leveling the score.
With the 1-1 draw, the atmosphere at Mestalla intensified as the Spanish fans rallied behind their team. The response came quickly, and in the 70th minute, Oyarzabal once again became the hero. After a deflection in the box, he reacted swiftly and fired the ball into the net, restoring Spain’s lead.
Just when it seemed like the game was under control, the Netherlands pressed hard in the closing minutes. A mistake in Spain’s buildup by Dani Olmo was ruthlessly punished by Ian Maatsen, who unleashed an unstoppable left-footed strike to make it 2-2 and send the match into extra time.
Extra time: Lamine Yamal’s magic and another late equalizer
Looking for fresh ideas, Luis de la Fuente brought on Pedri, who immediately changed the game with his dribbling and pinpoint passing. His impact was felt almost instantly, and just before the end of the first half of extra time, Dean Huijsen delivered a perfect long ball to Lamine Yamal, who, with a brilliant solo effort, scored a stunning goal, sending Mestalla into a frenzy.
But once again, the script repeated itself. The Netherlands refused to give up and attacked dangerously in the final moments. In a chaotic play inside the box, Unai Simón brought down Xavi Simons, who converted the penalty himself. Final score: 3-3, meaning the semifinal spot would be decided by a penalty shootout.
Penalty shootout: Unai Simón becomes the hero
The Dutch took the first shot, and Virgil van Dijk converted with composure. Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres, and Aleix García all scored Spain’s first three penalties, while Koopmeiners and Xavi Simons did the same for the Netherlands.
The turning point came in the fourth round: Noa Lang hit the crossbar, but Lamine Yamal missed his penalty, keeping the tension sky-high. It all came down to the fifth attempt. Taylor and Baena scored, and in the sixth round, Malen failed to beat Unai Simón, who made a spectacular save. The responsibility for the decisive penalty fell to Pedri, who sealed Spain’s qualification for the UEFA Nations League semifinals with a perfectly placed shot into the top-right corner.
Spain eyes another trophy
With this victory, Spain will face France in the semifinals, set to take place in Germany in June. Luis de la Fuente’s team continues its upward trajectory, with young talents like Lamine Yamal proving to be key players in the squad.
The night at Mestalla delivered a thrilling match, full of emotion until the very end, reaffirming Spain’s competitive spirit in the race for international trophies. Following their Euro 2024 triumph last summer, the team now sets its sights on winning the UEFA Nations League, while also preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where expectations continue to rise after recent successes.
