On March 23, 2025, the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia will host the decisive second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals between Spain and the Netherlands. This match is not only crucial in sporting terms but also carries deep solidarity significance: all proceeds will be donated to those affected by the DANA that impacted the Valencian Community in October 2024. The initiative was proposed as soon as the draw for this quarterfinal round was announced and has been carried out by the organizers to give Valencia the opportunity to experience a top-level clash.
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Information about the crossing between Spain and the Netherlands
The first leg will be played on March 20 at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, known as De Kuip, at 8:45 PM. This stadium is emblematic for the Spanish national team, as they won the Nations League there in 2023 after defeating Croatia in a penalty shootout. The result of both matches will determine which team advances to the semifinals of the competition, moving one step closer to the coveted UEFA Nations League title.
National coach Luis de la Fuente, recently renewed until 2028, has expressed confidence in the team and the Valencian fans to overcome this decisive phase of the competition. De la Fuente has managed to build a competitive squad, leading Spain to win the 2024 European Championship.
The Spanish National Team arrives in spectacular form, having put in a great performance so far in the competition. Five wins and one draw secured the top spot in their group without suffering a defeat. Meanwhile, the Netherlands had a more inconsistent preliminary phase, finishing second (behind Germany) and qualifying for the quarterfinals with two wins, three draws, and one loss. As the top seed, Spain will have home advantage, and everything will be decided in Valencia.
Valencia is a cradle for football
Spain had not played in Valencia since 2019, coincidentally around the same dates. That match was against Norway, ending in a 2-1 Spanish victory. A total of 32 matches have been played by the Spanish team in the city of Turia, with positive results. This is a golden opportunity to showcase the team’s great form to the city of Valencia, especially to young players who dream of becoming footballers in the future. The match will be crucial for witnessing firsthand all the necessary learnings required to become an elite footballer—not only in football-related aspects but also in human and mental aspects.
Use Spain’s great form to learn
The recent European Championship victory adds even more excitement to the occasion, as all fans remember the historic milestone achieved. The solidarity aspect of the match reinforces the bond between sports and society, once again demonstrating football’s commitment to noble causes. In football, education, tolerance, and respect are essential values for proper functioning. Using the great spotlight that football possesses to support social causes is a responsibility, and Valencia will be the place where this is reflected.
At SIA Academy, the values of footballers are an essential matter. Without a proper foundation, achieving goals becomes much more difficult; therefore, both football development and personal growth are prioritized. The academy has all the necessary resources to follow this developmental path that can take talented players to the highest level in the right way.
With just 20 days until the event, Valencia is preparing to welcome the national team in a March filled with emotions and events in the city. With the arrival of Las Fallas, the upcoming month is expected to be one of the most memorable in recent years due to the surrounding context. At SIA Academy, it represents a fantastic opportunity for the regional development of football in the city and for gathering momentum ahead of the upcoming Easter Camp, where our young players will be able to put into practice everything they have experienced during this period.
