In a match that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying encounters of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Spain secured a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after a 3-3 draw in extra time at the Mestalla Stadium. The result, which concluded a 5-5 aggregate scoreline following a 2-2 first-leg draw, propelled the reigning European champions into the semifinals, where they will face France in June.
The second leg of this quarterfinal clash was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the tactical brilliance, resilience, and sheer determination of both sides. Spain, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, struck first in the 19th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal headed home a pinpoint cross from Dani Olmo, igniting the sold-out Mestalla crowd. However, the Netherlands responded swiftly, leveling the score in the 50th minute through a coolly converted penalty by Memphis Depay after Robin Le Normand fouled the Dutch striker in the box.
The hosts regained the lead in the 67th minute, with Oyarzabal scoring his second of the night, nodding in a delivery from a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Nico Williams. Yet, the Dutch refused to capitulate. Ian Maatsen’s powerful strike in the 79th minute restored parity once more, sending the game into extra time as the aggregate score remained deadlocked.
In extra time, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal etched his name into the record books, becoming the youngest player to score in the UEFA Nations League at 17 years and 253 days. His curling effort in the 97th minute gave Spain a 3-2 lead and seemed to tilt the tie in their favor. But the drama was far from over. In the 105th minute, goalkeeper Unai Simon’s rash challenge on Xavi Simons gifted the Netherlands a penalty, which Simons confidently dispatched to make it 3-3, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking shootout.
The penalty shootout was a test of composure and skill, with both sides trading successful kicks until the sixth round. Netherlands’ Donyell Malen stepped up, only to see his effort brilliantly saved by Simon, who dived to his left to keep Spain alive. Moments later, Barcelona’s Pedri sealed the victory with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and fans.
“We knew it would be a battle against a fantastic Dutch side,” said de la Fuente post-match. “Our players showed incredible heart and quality, especially in the shootout. Unai was immense, and Pedri’s composure at the end was decisive. We’re thrilled to move forward.”
For the Netherlands, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow after a valiant performance across both legs. Coach Ronald Koeman praised his team’s resilience but lamented their inability to capitalize on key moments. “We came back three times tonight, which shows our character, but it’s tough to lose like this. Spain are a top team, and penalties are always a lottery,” he said.
Spain’s victory extends their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 22, a testament to their consistency and depth. Standout performers included Oyarzabal, whose brace underlined his importance to the squad, and Yamal, whose flair and fearlessness continue to dazzle. For the Netherlands, Maatsen and Simons impressed, but it was not enough to overcome Spain’s resolve.
The semifinal lineup now sees Spain join Germany, Portugal, and France, with the final four set to take place in June 2025. Spain’s clash with France promises to be a blockbuster, pitting two European heavyweights against each other in a battle for a spot in the final.