UEFA Nations League: Spain edged past the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday at the iconic Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, winning 5-4 after the second leg ended 3-3. The thrilling tie finished 5-5 on aggregate, with both teams battling fiercely until the very end.
Early Drama in Valencia
The hosts started strong when Jan Paul van Hecke fouled Mikel Oyarzabal in the eighth minute. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, giving Spain an early 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second half, the Netherlands responded as Robin Le Normand brought down Memphis Depay, who scored from the spot to level things up.
Tense Back-and-Forth Match
Spain went ahead again in the 67th minute through Oyarzabal’s header after a swift counter-attack. But the Netherlands equalized in the 79th minute with a powerful strike from Ian Maatsen, sending the match into extra time.
Lamine Yamal gave Spain hope in the 103rd minute with a stunning left-footed goal. However, the Dutch equalized once again through a penalty from Xavi Simons after a foul by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Penalty Shootout Thriller
The penalty shootout was nerve-wracking, with both teams missing their fourth kicks. In the sixth round, Unai Simon became the hero by saving Donyell Malen’s penalty. Pedri then converted the decisive shot to send Spain into the semi-finals.
Match Stats
| Category | Spain (ESP) | Netherlands (NED) |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 54.1% | 45.9% |
| Shots on Goal | 9 | 9 |
| Total Attempts | 19 | 16 |
| Fouls | 14 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 4 | 2 |
| Saves | 7 | 6 |
Key Moments Recap
✅ Oyarzabal scores from the penalty spot (8′)
✅ Memphis Depay equalizes for the Netherlands (48′)
✅ Oyarzabal’s header restores Spain’s lead (67′)
✅ Ian Maatsen equalizes with a powerful strike (79′)
✅ Lamine Yamal scores in extra time (103′)
✅ Xavi Simons makes it 3-3 from the penalty spot (109′)
✅ Unai Simon’s penalty save and Pedri’s final goal seal Spain’s win
Spain will now face France in the Nations League semifinal, with fans excited to see if they can go all the way.
