European champions Spain extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches in dramatic fashion, defeating the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties at the Mestalla after an epic 5-5 aggregate battle. The thrilling encounter saw both sides trade blows in a game filled with goals, controversy, and high-stakes drama before La Roja ultimately secured their spot in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Early Lead and Dutch Fightback
The match got off to a nightmare start for the Netherlands, as Jan Paul van Hecke conceded a penalty in just the sixth minute after wrestling Mikel Oyarzabal to the ground. The Euro 2024 final hero made no mistake from the spot, slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner past Bart Verbruggen’s outstretched hand.
Oyarzabal thought he had doubled Spain’s lead minutes later with a clinical finish, only to see the offside flag deny him. The Real Sociedad forward was involved again soon after, setting up Nico Williams for a one-on-one opportunity, but Verbruggen came up with a crucial save—though the play was once again ruled offside.
Despite Spain’s early dominance, the Dutch held their ground and found their rhythm. After the break, both teams had chances, but it was Memphis Depay who leveled the tie from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Marking his 100th international cap in style, Depay fired into the top-left corner, leaving Unai Simón with no chance.
Spain’s Persistence Meets Dutch Resilience
Williams and Lamine Yamal both tested Verbruggen as Spain searched for a response, and their pressure paid off in the 67th minute. A Dutch giveaway led to a quick counter, with Williams setting up Oyarzabal, whose initial shot was saved brilliantly. However, he reacted quickest to nod in the rebound, restoring Spain’s lead.
Just when Spain looked set to close out the win, Ian Maatsen redeemed himself for his earlier error, smashing home an equalizer in the 78th minute after a clever pass from Xavi Simons. With neither side able to find a winner, the match headed into extra time.
Yamal’s Magic and More Late Drama
As Dutch legs tired, Spain’s signature tiki-taka passing began to dictate play. In the 103rd minute, the moment of magic arrived. A long ball found Yamal on the right wing, and the Barcelona starlet, channeling his inner Lionel Messi, cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the far corner. The Mestalla erupted as Spain led for a third time.
But the Netherlands refused to give in. Another defensive lapse allowed Simons to draw a foul from Simón, earning the Dutch a third penalty. The PSV midfielder converted, barely beating Simón’s dive to send the match into a nerve-wracking shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
With the tension at its peak, the penalty shootout delivered even more drama. Noa Lang struck the woodwork, while Yamal saw his effort saved. Both sides remained nearly perfect until Donyell Malen missed in sudden death, setting the stage for Pedri to blast his penalty into the top corner, sealing Spain’s place in the semi-finals.
Spain Set for Semi-Final Clash with France
Spain now set their sights on the next challenge—an eagerly anticipated showdown with France in the Nations League semi-finals. As La Roja continue their unbeaten run, their blend of youthful brilliance and veteran experience makes them a serious contender to claim another international trophy.
Can Spain continue their dominance, or will France end their streak? The battle for Nations League glory is far from over.