Mikel Merino’s goal sees Netherlands draw 2-2 with Spain

The first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between the Netherlands and Spain ended in a 2-2 draw at the Feyenoord Stadium in the Netherlands.

Nico Williams gave Spain an early lead before Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders levelled the scores for the Netherlands. Spain narrowly avoided defeat thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.

The result could be an advantage for Spain, who host the return leg on Monday next week (24/3).

Spain opened the scoring nine minutes into the match. Bert Verbruggen’s pass to Jorrel Hato was intercepted by Lamine Yamal.

Yamal then combined with Pedri and Williams finished with a low shot in the middle of the penalty area to put Spain 1-0 up.

The Netherlands responded with a goal from Cody Gakpo in the 28th minute. After an attack on the right wing, Tijani Reijnders’ cross was cleared by the Spanish defence.

Hato flicked the rebound to Justin Kluivert, who laid on the assist for Gakpo. The score was 1-1.

In the second half, in the 46th minute, the Netherlands turned the game around. Jeremie Frimpong broke down the left flank of the Spanish defence and whipped in a low cross which Tijjani headed home.

The Netherlands were reduced to 10 men in the final 10 minutes after Jorrel Hato was sent off for a late challenge on Robin Le Normand. The numerical advantage gave Spain more freedom to attack.

In stoppage time, in the 90th minute, Spain scored their second goal. Spain scored their second goal. Nico Williams cut in from the left wing and fired a shot that was blocked. The rebound fell to Mikel Merino, who tapped in just outside the area.

The scores were level at 2-2 and remained so for the remainder of the game.

Netherlands line-up (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen, Geertruida, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Hato, De Jong (Koopmeiners 74′), Reijnders (Wieffer 90′), Frimpong, Kluivert (Xavi Simons 74′), Gakpo, Depay (De Ligt 84′)

Spain line-up (4-3-3): Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Cubarsi (Huijsen 41′), Le Normand, Cucurella, Pedri (Olmo 66′), Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz (Merino 84′), Lamine Yamal (Oyarzabal 67′), Morata (Ayoze Perez 66′), Nico Williams