Mikel Merino was the hero for Spain as La Roja snatched a stoppage-time equaliser against 10-man Netherlands to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final.
Merino, who has deputised as a striker for Arsenal in the absence of Kai Havertz, came on as a midfielder but proved his knack for goalscoring as he tapped in a close-range rebound three minutes into added time in Rotterdam.
The Dutch had dominated much of the match – having recovered from Nico Williams’ early goal to go 2-1 up via Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders – but faltered after a late red card for 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 22:42
Spain have won 14 and drawn three of their last 17 international matches. They are unbeaten in 22 competitive matches, since a loss to Scotland in March 2023.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 22:20
The return leg takes place this Sunday, 23 March, at the Mestalla in Valencia.
Kick-off is once again at 7.45pm GMT.
As a reminder, the winner of this tie will face the winner of Croatia v France.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 22:10
There were some surprises in the other quarter-finals – check out the results below.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 22:00
Well, it turned out to be a great game at De Kuip.
The Dutch absolutely dominated the first half and were in dreamland as they scored early on in the second, but in truth they failed to press on from there.
Granted, Spain didn’t look like scoring, but Koeman’s side were guilty of resting on their laurels somewhat.
And Jorrel Hato’s late red card let La Roja back into the game – they took their chance late on through Merino, and they have to be favourites ahead of the second leg.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 21:52
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
The referee brings the game to an end and a fascinating contest ends all-square in Rotterdam!
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 21:42
Chance for a winner here? Surely the last kick of the game as Porro delivers a free-kick…
It’s headed away and on the follow-up someone is offside…
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 21:41
GOAL! Spain have levelled!
It’s messy but they won’t care.
Williams picks the ball up on the right and cuts back outside, eventually hitting a tame shot at goal, but Verbruggen’s sight path is blocked and he can only palm it straight to Merino, who taps into a nearly empty net!
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 21:40
Another late change as Reijnders comes off for Wieffer.
Chris Wilson20 March 2025 21:37
