Netherlands Held by Spain in Thrilling Nations League Quarter-Final
Mikel Merino's 93rd-minute equalizer salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw for Spain against 10-man Netherlands in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie.
Spain salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against 10-man Netherlands in Rotterdam, thanks to Mikel Merino's equalizing goal in the 93rd minute. This thrilling conclusion to the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie ensured that Luis de la Fuente's side maintained their unbeaten run in the competition, which now stands at 10 matches (W8, D2).
The Netherlands, inaugural runners-up in the Nations League, recognized the significance of securing a strong result on home soil in the first leg. However, despite their numerical advantage following a red card, they were unable to hold on to their lead, ultimately succumbing to Merino's late equalizer.
Spain drew first blood in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Jorrel Hato. Lamine Yamal and Pedri combined effectively, with Pedri eventually feeding Nico Williams, who finished clinically from close range. Spain came close to doubling their lead soon after, but Alvaro Morata directed a promising headed chance wide of the target.
The Netherlands, determined to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2023, equalized in the 28th minute after being given a reprieve. Justin Kluivert's lay-off was expertly swept into the bottom corner by Cody Gakpo, restoring parity. Emboldened by this momentum, Ronald Koeman's team pushed for a quick second goal before halftime and were unfortunate not to take the lead, as Tijjani Reijnders' volley from the edge of the box agonizingly struck the bar.
The Netherlands' persistence paid off within 40 seconds of the restart, as they took a deserved lead. Jeremie Frimpong's low delivery was met by Reijnders, who dispatched the ball first-time into the far corner, sending the hosts ahead.
As the hour mark approached, the Netherlands continued to dominate, with Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo both coming close to scoring in quick succession. The hosts' one-way traffic showed no signs of abating, and they appeared to be cruising towards a well-deserved victory.
However, the Netherlands' momentum was disrupted with just nine minutes remaining, when Jorrel Hato was given a straight red card for a reckless lunge on Robin Le Normand. This moment of madness handed Spain a numerical advantage in the closing stages, and they would ultimately capitalize on this opportunity.
The Netherlands' numerical disadvantage proved costly, as substitute Mikel Merino scored from close range in the 93rd minute, converting a rebound from eight yards out. This dramatic late equalizer extended Spain's impressive recent record to just one defeat in their last 26 internationals (W22, D3), and ensured that the tie remains finely poised ahead of the second leg.
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