Event/Match Date & Time: March 23, 2025, 7:45 PM CET (Second Leg; First Leg on March 20, 2025)
When two football powerhouses like the Spain national football team and the Netherlands national football team collide, the anticipation is electric. Their recent UEFA Nations League quarterfinal tie in March 2025 was no exception—a rollercoaster of goals, red cards, and a nail-biting penalty shootout that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This matchup wasn’t just about the result; it was a showcase of tactical brilliance, individual heroics, and the sheer unpredictability of international soccer.
The Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups were pivotal in shaping this epic encounter. Spain, the defending Nations League champions and fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph, entered as favorites with a blend of youth and experience. Led by coach Luis de la Fuente, La Roja’s lineup featured rising stars like Lamine Yamal and established talents like Mikel Oyarzabal. On the other side, the Netherlands, under Ronald Koeman, boasted a robust squad with Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defense and creative forces like Cody Gakpo upfront. The Netherlands national football team vs Spain national football team lineups (reversing the order for emphasis) highlighted the Dutch resilience, especially in the first leg at home.
Quick Summary
The UEFA Nations League quarterfinal between Spain and the Netherlands ended with Spain advancing after a 5-5 aggregate draw and a 5-4 penalty win in the second leg. First leg: 2-2 in Rotterdam. Second leg: 3-3 after extra time in Valencia.
Final Result: Spain wins on penalties; advances to semifinals vs. France.
Lineups Overview: Spain stuck to 4-3-3 in both legs, featuring Yamal, Williams, and Oyarzabal upfront in the second. Netherlands used 4-2-3-1, with Depay leading the line.
Top Performers: Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 2 goals in second leg; Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) – Goal in first leg.
Key Stats: Total goals: 10; Possession: Spain 58% avg.; Shots: 35 combined in second leg.
Winner/Impact: Spain maintains unbeaten streak; boosts confidence for World Cup qualifiers.
Turning Point: Jorrel Hato’s red card in first leg shifted momentum, but Netherlands fought back valiantly.
🏟️ Key Players
The Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups showcased tactical depth from both sides.
| Team | Key Players/Lineups | Notable Stats/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | GK: Unai Simon; DEF: Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; MID: Olmo, Zubimendi, Ruiz; FWD: Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams (Second Leg) | Yamal (17 years old) provided assists and a goal; Oyarzabal scored brace. Formation: 4-3-3. Injuries: Gavi out long-term. |
| Netherlands | GK: Verbruggen; DEF: Geertruida, van Hecke, van Dijk, Maatsen; MID: Reijnders, de Jong; FWD: Frimpong, Kluivert, Gakpo, Depay (Second Leg) | Van Dijk captained with 85% pass accuracy; Depay netted penalty. Formation: 4-2-3-1. Red card in first leg impacted depth. |
Event Details Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Quarterfinals |
| Legs | First: Netherlands 2-2 Spain (Rotterdam, 42,003 attendees); Second: Spain 3-3 Netherlands (Valencia, 48,082 attendees) |
| Aggregate | 5-5; Spain wins 5-4 on penalties |
| Referees | First Leg: Glenn Nyberg; Second Leg: Clément Turpin |
| Venues | Stadion Feijenoord (First); Mestalla (Second) |
Half-by-Half Scoring
First Leg First Half: Spain 1-1 Netherlands (Williams 9′; Gakpo 28′)
First Leg Second Half: Spain 1-1 Netherlands (Reijnders 46′; Merino 90+3′)
Second Leg First Half: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (Oyarzabal pen 8′)
Second Leg Second Half: Spain 1-2 Netherlands (Depay pen 60′, Oyarzabal 67′, Maatsen 84′)
Extra Time: Spain 1-1 Netherlands (Yamal 103′; Simons pen 110′)
Additional Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Injuries/Updates | Spain: Cubarsí subbed early in first leg (precautionary). Netherlands: No major injuries, but Hato suspended for second leg after red. |
| Quotes | “We fought like lions,” said Koeman post-match. De la Fuente: “Our resilience won it.” |
| Weather/Conditions | Mild evenings; no disruptions. |
Where was it played?
First leg in Rotterdam, Netherlands; second in Valencia, Spain.
When did key moments occur?
Red card at 81′ in first leg; penalties after 120′ in second.
Why was it so intense?
Historic rivalry and high stakes for semifinals.
How did the Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups influence the outcome?
Spain’s attacking trio overwhelmed in transitions, while Dutch midfield controlled counters until the red card shifted dynamics.
📊 Half-by-Half Breakdown
First Leg – First Half: Early Spain Dominance Met with Dutch Fightback
- Nico Williams opens scoring after Yamal’s assist.
- Gakpo equalizes from Kluivert setup. Momentum with Spain initially, but Frimpong’s runs shifted it. Spain held 60% possession, but Hato’s defense was solid until later.
First Leg – Second Half: Quick Dutch Goal, Late Drama
- Reijnders scores seconds after restart.
- Hato red card at 81′ for foul on Le Normand.
- Merino’s stoppage-time equalizer from Williams rebound. Netherlands led but couldn’t hold with 10 men; Spain’s subs like Merino proved crucial.
Second Leg – First Half: Penalty Sets Tone
- Oyarzabal converts early pen after van Hecke foul. Spain controlled, with Yamal threatening. Netherlands absorbed pressure.
Second Leg – Second Half: Goal Fest
- Depay levels from pen after Le Normand foul.
- Oyarzabal headers Spain ahead.
- Maatsen blasts equalizer. Back-and-forth; subs like Simons energized Dutch.
Second Leg – Extra Time: Yamal Magic, Late Pen
- Yamal’s stunning strike.
- Simons pen after Simon foul. Tired legs led to errors; penalties inevitable.
🌟 Highlight Standout Performances
| Player | Team | Key Metrics (Goals/Assists) | %/Other | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mikel Oyarzabal | Spain | 2 goals, 1 assist | 88% pass acc. | Brace in second leg; versatile forward play. |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | 1 goal, 1 assist | 92% dribble succ. | Extra-time hero; youngest scorer in tie. |
| Cody Gakpo | Netherlands | 1 goal | 3 key passes | Clinical finish; constant threat. |
| Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | 0 goals | 95% pass acc., 5 clearances | Defensive rock despite loss. |
| Unai Simon | Spain | 0 goals | 4 saves | Penalty hero with Malen save. |
| Tijjani Reijnders | Netherlands | 1 goal | 2 tackles | Midfield engine. |
Performance Comparisons
Possession Table:
| Team | First Leg | Second Leg |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 62% | 58% |
| Netherlands | 38% | 42% |
Shots/Goals Efficiency: Spain: 38 shots, 5 goals (13% conv.); Netherlands: 32 shots, 5 goals (16% conv.).
Clutch Moments
The red card to Hato in the first leg was pivotal—it forced Netherlands into defense, allowing Spain’s late equalizer. In the second, Le Normand’s foul led to Depay’s pen, swinging momentum.
Yamal’s extra-time goal seemed decisive, but Simon’s foul on Simons forced penalties—integrating Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups here, as subs like Pedri stepped up.
Unai Simon’s save on Malen was the ultimate clutch play, sealing Spain’s win.
Oyarzabal’s early pen set the tone, rewarding Spain’s aggressive start.
Tactical Analysis Deep Dive
De la Fuente’s Spain prioritized build-up from back, using Zubimendi as pivot. Wingers Yamal/Williams stretched play, creating space for Oyarzabal’s runs.
Koeman’s Netherlands sat deeper post-red card, hitting on breaks via Frimpong/Maatsen overlaps. Midfield trio (De Jong, Reijnders) controlled transitions until fatigue.
Substitutions mattered: Pedri/Merino added energy; Simons for Netherlands brought creativity.
Spain’s high press forced errors; Netherlands exploited transitions when Spain overcommitted.
Player Profiles & Battles
Yamal vs Geertruida: Youth vs experience—youngster won with dribbles.
Van Dijk vs Oyarzabal: Aerial duels intense; Oyarzabal’s movement edged it.
De Jong vs Zubimendi: Midfield battle for control—Zubimendi shaded it.
Simón vs Depay/Gakpo: Goalkeeper’s reflexes denied Dutch late.
Historical Context & Rivalry Evolution
From 2010 final (Spain 1-0) to 2014 (Netherlands 5-1), this 2025 tie blended both styles. Modern versions feature more youth, faster pace.
Spain’s tiki-taka evolved into dynamic possession; Netherlands’ total football now counter-oriented.
Implications for Future Matches
Spain builds momentum toward World Cup 2026 (group with Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia). Netherlands reflects on depth issues.
Both teams stronger for qualifiers—rivalry set for more chapters.
Conclusion
This UEFA Nations League quarterfinal tie between the Spain national football team and Netherlands national football team will be remembered for its drama and quality. The Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups highlighted tactical battles, with Spain’s depth prevailing in penalties. Implications? Spain advances to face France, boosting their prep for World Cup 2026. For the Dutch, it’s a learning curve—strong showings from Gakpo and van Dijk bode well.
What a showcase of European soccer’s best! If you’re intrigued by Spain vs Netherlands lineups or future matchups, stay tuned for more analyses.
FAQs
What were the Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups for the second leg?
Spain: Simon; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Olmo, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams. Netherlands: Verbruggen; Geertruida, van Hecke, van Dijk, Maatsen; Reijnders, de Jong; Frimpong, Kluivert, Gakpo; Depay.
Who won the Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team match?
Spain advanced 5-4 on penalties after a 5-5 aggregate draw.
What was the score in the first leg?
Netherlands 2-2 Spain.
Who scored for Spain in the second leg?
Mikel Oyarzabal (2), Lamine Yamal (1).
Were there any red cards?
Yes, Jorrel Hato (Netherlands) in the first leg.
What formation did Spain use?
4-3-3 in both legs.
Who was man of the match?
Mikel Oyarzabal for his brace.
How did penalties unfold?
Spain 5-4; Simon saved Malen’s shot, Pedri scored winner.
Any injuries in Spain national football team vs Netherlands national football team lineups?
Gavi absent for Spain; no new major injuries.
Where was the second leg played?
Mestalla Stadium, Valencia.
What’s next for Spain?
Semifinal vs. France in June 2025.
Why search for Netherlands national football team vs Spain national football team lineups?
To understand tactical setups in this rivalry.
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