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Spain vs Netherlands LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as Spain win on penalties

Spain 3-3 Netherlands (agg. 5-5, Spain win 5-4 on penalties): Drama at the Mestalla as Spain overcame resilient Dutch in shootout

Chris Wilson
Sunday 23 March 2025 22:41 GMT
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Pedri converted the winning penalty to send Spain through
Pedri converted the winning penalty to send Spain through (Getty Images)

Spain edged past the Netherlands on penalties following a six-goal thriller to progress to the Nations League semi-final.

The hosts started well and took an early lead through Mikel Oyarzabal from the spot, only for the Dutch to level with their own penalty after the break - Memphis Depay this time firing high and central from the spot.

Oyarzabal then tucked away his second, finishing off a brilliant Spain counter attack, before Ian Maatsen pegged the hosts back once more to force the game into extra time.

Lamine Yamal looked to have put Spain on course to victory, but it was Xavi Simons who bagged the Netherlands's third equaliser of the night with another penalty, setting up a dramatic shootout finale.

Donyell Malen had his crucial spot-kick saved after misses from Noa Lang and Yamal for both teams as Spain booked their place in the last four.

Relive all the action and reaction from the Mestalla below:

HALF-TIME! Spain 1-0 Netherlands

45 +1 mins

The half ends with a Spain attack, as Williams ships it on to Cucurella, whose cross is cleared before Williams tests Verbruggen with a tame volley.

The referee brings the half to an end and Spain lead the match and the tie by a goal at the break.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:33

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

45 mins

Frimpong briefly threatens for the first time this half but he slips as he tries to play the cross. That sums up the half for the Dutch really.

There’ll be just one minute of added time.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:32

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

43 mins

The Dutch have been applying pressure over the last couple of minutes but Spain still seem fairly comfortable, with Gakpo the latest to see a cross blocked.

Spain break but it’s well-read from van Hecke before Oyarzabal is flagged offside.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:29

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

41 mins

The hosts recycled possession around the Dutch penalty box for a while there but they’re certainly in no rush, with the Dutch sitting off for a while before Mingueza wastes possession with a poor cross.

He makes up for it at the other end with a good clearance though.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:28

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

39 mins

Another wasted opportunity as Yamal has plenty of space to thread a pass to Williams, but it’s behind the Bilbao winger.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:27

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

37 mins

The match has definitely calmed down somewhat, though this tempo will suit the home side. They’re knocking it around well in defence and midfield.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:24

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

34 mins

Better from the Netherlands as Gakpo’s cross earns them their first corner of the match.

Van Dijk heads it down in the area but it’s cleared, before Geertruida fires a decent effort that forces Verbruggen into a comfortable save.

(Getty Images)
Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:21

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

32 mins

The hosts waste a decent chance with a 4-v-4 in defence but in truth it’s good defensive work from van Hecke to dispossess Williams.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:19

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

29 mins

Still not quite clicking in attack for the Dutch, with Gakpo and then Depay both playing misplaced passes before Ruiz shepherds the ball out of play.

For all their possession, the Dutch don’t have a real chance of note to report, and they’re deservedly behind.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:17

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

26 mins

It’s been an exceptionally eventful first half of the first half, it must be said. Now Williams is down wanting a penalty, but it’s waved away.

The Netherlands have settled more since the goal, but it’s Spain providing the constant threat.

Chris Wilson23 March 2025 20:14

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