It is really sad that one of these two teams will not be going to the semifinals after such an extraordinary performance.

If you are a neutral fan, it was an epic night for you. But if you're a fan or from Netherlands and Spain, it was a night of heartbreaks and wins.

Spain kept on getting the leads, but Netherlands continued to fight back and equalize. In the end, it was the penalties that differentiated the two teams.

Unai Simon was the hero for Spain as he made an important save in the sudden death.

It has been a really long night, and I hope you have enjoyed every bit of this coverage. This is Koushik Biswas, signing off. Good night, and take care.

Unai.

𝗦𝗜𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗜.#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/HYLjx6Q1aj

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 23, 2025

What a thrilling final! 

The fans could not have asked for more. 

Spain are through to the semis on penalties after the scores were tied at 3-3 (5-5 on aggregate). 

The semi-finals will be played in June in Germany. 

SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO THE NATIONS LEAGUE SEMIS!

Unai Simon made an important save in the sudden death in the penalty shootout to take Spain over the line.

They won 5-4 in the penalties after the score was tied at 3-3 (5-5 on agg.)#UEFANationsLeague #ESPNED #LamineYamal #Pedri pic.twitter.com/5CESJ8ldce

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 23, 2025

• Van Dijk (NED)- Scores - ESP 0-1 NED 
• Merino (ESP) - Scores - ESP 1-1 NED
• Koopmeiners (NED) - Scores - ESP 1-2 NED
• Ferran Torres (ESP) - Scores - ESP 2-2 NED 
• Xavi Simons (NED) - Scores - ESP 2-3 NED
• Garcia (ESP) - Scores - ESP 3-3 NED
• Lang (NED) - Miss - ESP 3-3 NED
• Yamal (ESP) - Miss - ESP 3-3 NED
• Taylor (NED) - Scores - ESP 3-4 NED
• Baena (ESP) - Scores - ESP 4-4 NED

We are into sudden death now. 

• Malen (NED) - Miss - ESP 4-4 NED
• Pedri (ESP) - Scores - ESP 5-4 NED 

Spain win on penalties. 

5-5 on aggregate and we are into penalties now.

Dutch was so close to a winner. 

Malen shoots from a close range, and Simon dives low to his left to make the save. 

Final change for Spain. 

Baena replaced Nico Williams

We are just 5 minutes away from a shoot out. Will we see another goal?

Koopmeiners replaced Reijnders.

Simons scores from the penalty spot. His 4th international goal. 

All equal again. 

Spain 3-3 Netherlands. 

Yellow card for Simon as he brought down Simons inside the box. Penalty for Netherlands. 

Torres did not connect the shot that well from inside the box. He missed the target.

Taylor replaced De Jong

Garcia replaced Zubimendi. 

The referee blows the whistle, and we have 15 minutes before the result or a penalty shootout. 

Nico Williams with a great chance to score. But Van Hecke came in between to block the shot. 

Man, Lamine Yamal is special. 

He first receives a ball from Huijsen. Then, he made a quick cutback and went with his left foot for a curling shot at the far post. 

He hits the back of the net, and Spain, for the third time in this game, have the lead.

Spain 3-2 Netherlands (5-4 on agg.)

Out: Depay

In: Brobbey

Vamos, EQUIPO.

¡¡𝗩𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗦𝗦!!

Arranca el tiempo extra.

🇪🇸 🆚 🇳🇱 | 2-2 | 91’#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/k6CvVb59pH

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 23, 2025

The Netherlands are working hard to keep as many Spanish players pinned back as they can. Koeman has deployed two wingers, one central striker, and two players supporting Depay, aiming to create a five-versus-four advantage whenever feasible. It’s a bold, high-stakes strategy with big potential payoffs.

Mingueza is injured and has been replaced by Pedro Porro. 

The first half of extra time starts.

90 minutes could not separate the teams. 

It is 2-2 in the second leg and 4-4 on aggregate. 

We are heading to extra time. 

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams's back-to-back shots were blocked by Dutch defenders. 

Nico Williams did not get the connection he was looking for and Verbruggen makes an easy save. 

3 minutes added to the full time. 

That was an important save from Simon. 

Depay from close range nearly gave Netherlands the winner. 

72' | Ronaldo equalises for Portugal
76' | Eriksen gives Denmark the lead

POR 2-2 DEN (2-3)

Portugal vs Denmark LIVE: https://t.co/EjAWKV3fD3#PORDEN #UEFANationsLeague

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 23, 2025

Out: Olmo, Ruiz

In: Pedri, Merino

On his debut, Maatsen scores for Netherlands. 

It was a missed pass from Dani Olmo that allowed the attack. 

All equal now. 

ESP 2-2 NED (4-4)

Out: Kluivert, Geertruida, Gakpo

In: Simons, Malen, Lang

Simon comes out quickly to negotiate with a long ball from Reijnders. 

Maatsen blocks a shot from Frenkie De Jong. Netherlands are looking desperate for the equaliser. 

That was the final act from Oyarzabal as he has been replaced by Ferran Torres. 

Great counterattack from Lamine Yamal, who passed the ball to Nico Williams. 

After a good run, unselfish Nico Williams gave it to Oyarzabal, who was open to score. 

Though his initial shot was saved by Verbruggen, the rebound ball fell in place for him to head the ball inside the goal. 

Spain take the lead.

ESP 2-1 NED (4-3)

Memphis Depay is just 3 goals away from becoming the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands ⭐ pic.twitter.com/iH6nD6qbcH

— Netsport (@Netsportfc) March 23, 2025

Second save in a row from the Brighton goalkeeper. 

Nic,o with a grat run, kept on going deep in the box. 

His final effort was saved by Verbruggen

Yellow card for Depay for a foul on Lamine Yamal. 

Good buildup from Spain. Ruiz and Lamine played between them before Lamine went for a left footed shot from inside the box. 

It went straight to Verbruggen. 

Don't think that should be a pen at all. Memphis grabs Le Normand who's also grabbing him, suddenly Memphis takes a dive... That's a crazy call to me.

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) March 23, 2025

Depay, confident after his foal, goes for a left-footed low curling shot. 

Simon had to dive to his left to make the save. 

Memphis Depay scores on his 100th international appearance. 

He hits the upper net and beats Simon easily. 

It's the 47th international goal for Depay. 

Spain 1-1 Netherlands (3-3 on agg)

Le Normand fouls Depay inside the box. He gets the yellow card. Penalty for Netherlands. 

⌛ Half-time scores in UEFA Nations League!

Spain 1-0 Netherlands (3-2 agg)
France 0-0 Croatia (0-2 agg)
Portugal 1-0 Denmark (1-1 agg)
Germany 3-0 Italy (5-1)

Who will reach the semifinals?#UEFANationsLeague #CristianoRonaldo #KylianMbappe #LukaModric pic.twitter.com/Df89Q5YTXW

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 23, 2025

Chance for Kluivert, probably their best of the night. But, his shot was saved by Unai Simon. 

Chance for Dani Olmo to score, but his club teammate De Jong came sliding to make the interception. 

No changes from either team.

Spain head to the tunnel with a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands via a penalty scored by Oyarzabal

1 minute added as injury time. 

Cucurella wins the battle with Frimpong, who received a cross from Depay. 

The defensive win led Spanish fans to chant the name of Cucurella. You already know his song!

In the last two occasions, the defender was able to go front and provide through balls for Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal. Spain are looking for their second for the end of the first half. 

Depay gets a verbal warning from the referee for a foul on Le Normand. But, no cards so far. 

Unai Simon makes his first save of the night as Geertruida makes an effort from outside the box. It went straight to the Spainsh goalkeeper. 

In the last few minutes, the Netherlands made three entries to the final third. 

This time, they won their first corner as Gakpo's shot was deflected away by Cucurella. 

𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗦.

🇪🇸 🆚 🇳🇱 | 1-0 | 15’#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/sTYB8SpRaW

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 23, 2025

Just like Euro 2024, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have been phenomenal on the flanks for Spain. 

In the middle Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Oyarzabal have been constant threat as well. 

Another solid save from Verbruggen. 

Oyarzabal found Nico on the right, and Verbruggen saved Nico's shot.

However, Oyarzabal was offside leading to the attack.

Kluivert goes for the goal from outside the box. He was hoping that the ball would come down but it kept on going up.

Spain have been controlling the game so far. 

Lamine Yamal, on the right, waited for a long time before ppooing up the ball for Fabian Ruiz on the left. 

Ruiz went for a volley, but Verbruggen was there to make the save. 

Reijnders has the first chance of the night for Netherlands. 

He went for a volley inside the box from a pass by Maatsen

Nico Williams has an open chance to score from the right. He found a great pass from Huijsen, who kept on running with the ball from the defensive area and then passed it to Nico. 

Verbruggen came to rescue the Netherlands. 

For a moment, it looked like Oyarzabal had his brace. 

But he was offside there. Just by a bit.

Lamine Yamal with the side of the boot pass for Oyarzabal to go one-on-one with Verbruggen.

Oyarzabal goes low, hard and to the left. He hits the back of the net with ease. 

Spain take the lead. 

Spain 0-1 Netherlands (3-2 on aggregate) 

Van Hecke tackled and brought down Oyarzabal inside the box. It is a penalty for the home side. 

Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands, made his debut in the first leg and did excedelingly well. 

This is his first start for Spain. He has replaced the injured Casado.

Here we go!

All to play for a place in the semi-finals.

¡VAM⚽️S!#NothingLikeOranje #ESPNED pic.twitter.com/oxC3IGaqRJ

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 23, 2025

Calentamiento completado...

¡¡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗔 𝗬𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔!! #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/KwdZRSBbYU

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 23, 2025

Starting XI: B. Verbruggen, L. Geertruida, J. P. van Hecke, V. van Dijk (capt), I. Maatsen, T. Reijnders, F. de Jong, J. Kluivert, J. Frimpong, M. Depay, C. Gakpo.

Subs: Nick Olij, Mark Flekken, Matthijs de Ligt, Youri Baas, Xavi Simons, Teun Koopmeiners, Kenneth Taylor, Mats Wieffer, Brian Brobbey, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen.

Starting XI: U. Simón (capt), Ó. Mingueza, R. Le Normand, D. Huijsen, M. Cucurella, D. Olmo, M. Zubimendi, F. Ruiz, L. Yamal, M. Oyarzabal, N. Williams.

Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Pedro Porro, Raúl Asencio, Alejandro Grimaldo, Mikel Merino, Aleix García, Alejandro Baena, Pedri, Álvaro Morata, Samuel Aghehowa, Ferran Torres.

Not many people saw this coming—hardly anyone pegged the Dutch to come out on top before the match kicked off. However, Koeman’s men came so close to earning every bit of a well-deserved victory.

They started off a little wobbly, sure, but soon found their rhythm, moving the ball with confidence. Gakpo and Frimpong were electric out wide, constantly throwing the Spanish defense off balance, while the backline held strong—almost to the very end—until Merino slipped one through.

Jorrel Hato received a red card during the first-leg game, and will be suspended for the game night. Ian Maatsen has been called up for the Dutches. However, Jurrien Timber will also be sidelined due to illness.

Center-back Pau Cubarsi was forced off in the last stages of the first leg encounter, as he has withdrawn from the squad and will be unavailable for tonight. Rest of the squad will be available for selection.

Football fans from India can watch the Spain vs Netherlands UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 2nd leg match LIVE on Sony Ten 3 TV Channel on Television and the Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription.

Match: Spain vs Netherlands 

Tournament: UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 2nd leg

Date: 24 March 2025

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Spain

Not many people saw this coming—hardly anyone pegged the Dutch to come out on top before the match kicked off. However, Koeman’s men came so close to earning every bit of a well-deserved victory. 

They started off a little wobbly, sure, but soon found their rhythm, moving the ball with confidence. Gakpo and Frimpong were electric out wide, constantly throwing the Spanish defense off balance, while the backline held strong—almost to the very end—until Merino slipped one through.

What a ride it’s been! That’s all from us on this live blog—thanks for sticking with us through every twist and turn. Good night. See you on Sunday for the second leg.

An injury time equaliser from substitute Mikel Merino helps Spain extend their undefeated run to 22 games now. 

We move to the second leg with everything at square. 

A 93rd-minute equaliser from Mikel Merino helps Spain hold on to a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands!

Spain extend their undefeated streak to 22 games now!#UEFANationsLeague #NEDESP pic.twitter.com/tEhAjNlVEL

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 20, 2025

Merino scores for Spain. 

Nico Williams with a shot from the left, and Verbruggen made only a half save.

Merino was at the right place to take advantage of the rebound ball. 

Big, big goal!

NED 2-2 ESP

Reijnders is replaced by Wieffer.

5 minutes have been added as injury time.

Huijsen takes a chance with a long range left-footed shot. 

He was on-target but Verbruggen dived to his left to make the save.

Oyarzabal with a volley from close range but Van Dijk was there to make the save. 

Top-class save from Verbruggen. Huijsen found Nico making a run. Nico then went inside the box and sent a curling shot. 

Verbruggen had to dive to his left to make the save. 

Final change for Spain. Merino replaces Ruiz.

Depay is replaced by De Ligt. 

A straight red card for Hato for a dangerous challenge on Le Normand. 

The Netherlands are down to 10 men. 

Yellow card for Virgil Van Dijk for a foul inside the box during the corner. 

Xavi Simons was running away with the ball and made an effort at the goal. But, Le Normand came running from behind to let it go for a corner. 

Chance for Nico Williams but he could not hold on to the ball with his first touch. 

Out: FDJ, Kluivert

In: Koopmeiners, Simons

Yellow card for Perez for a sliding tackle on Frimpong. He will miss the second leg.

A deflection from Van Dink was going into the goal and Verbruggen dived to his left to make the save. 

4 - Tijjani Reijnders is the first player in history to put @OnsOranje in front with each of his first-ever four goals for the Netherlands. Advantage. pic.twitter.com/oDcsZ5cRBe

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) March 20, 2025

Van Dijk makes the block as Dani Olmo pulled his trigger from outside the box. 

Huijsen makes a vital interception at the edge of the box as Netherlands were running through the mid-field into the box. 

Morata, Pedri and Lamine Yamal have been replaced by Perez, Oyarzabal, and Olmo.

Lamine Yamal won the second corner for Spain. Nico Williams takes it but Netherlands have it covered, 

Yellow card for debutant Dean Huijsen.

Good low shot from Gakpo, who was on-target. But Simon got down quickly to grab the ball. 

Although Spain have upped the tempo, we will surely a few changes from them as we see a few miss-passes in the middle.

Spain win their first corner of the game, and Yamal took it short. 

Spain are holding a high line now and looking for a goal. 

A few low crosses and a run on the byline from Morata and Nico, and suddenly, Spain are looking better.

But, Netherlands will be waiting for the counterattack, though. 

¡GOOOOL DE PAÍSES BAJOS! Marca el segundo Reijnders
Países Bajos 2-1 España#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/egxOT8usDs

— MARCA (@marca) March 20, 2025

What a start for the Orange! 

Reijnders scores for them. 

Frimpong did all the running for him, and his cutback found a running Reijnders, who made no mistake inside the box.

Netherlands have the lead.  

We are back from the break. 

Spain starts things off!

Spain started the game like the Champions of Europe and Nico Williams gave them the lead. But, since then, Netherlands have attacked like a team on a mission. 

Gakpo found the equaliser, and they could have had a few more if Simon was not there. 

Cubarsi had to leave the field due to injury, and Dean Huijsen replaced him. 

Two minutes added to the first-half as Lamine Yamal miss-hit the free-kick. 

Free-kick for Spain from a dangerous position as Gakpo pushed Pedro Porro down. Yellow card for him.

Frimpong, with the corss and Reijnders, went for the side volley and kissed the crossbar with his effort.

Dean Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands, makes his international debut in the Netherlands, against Netherlands. 

He replaces Cubarsi. 

He was limping for a bit, and now he is down. He is getting medial attention and will be replaced. 

It is not a yellow card for the defender but he gets a verbal warning from the referee for a foul on Frimpong

Huge save!

Simon made himself big as Depay had the chance to extend the lead for them from close range. 

Chance missed for the home side. 

Lamine Yamal with an outside-the-boot flick pass from Zubimendi. Zubimendi went for the volley, and Verbruggen had to go down to his side quickly to make the save. 

CODY GAKPO SCORES THE EQUALIZER VS SPAIN! pic.twitter.com/1Fqf75vEaK

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) March 20, 2025

Netherlands are putting their feet on the accelerator. 

Gakpo with a menacing cross and Simon had to be quick to get a touch to it to nuilfy the attack. 

The Dutch are level, and the fans are just over the moon!

Gakpo strikes for them.

Frimpong had a great run to keep the ball in play and then pass it across. After a poor clearance from Cubarsi, Kluivert found Gakpo at the edge of the box.

The Liverpool striker did not miss the chance with a bullet strike. 

All square now. 

Cucurella, Cubarsi, and Le Normand have been solid so far, not letting Dutch strikers have any space in the final third. 

The Dutch captain had the chance to score after Hato brought down the corner so that he could go for the goal. 

But, he was not on target, 

First corner of the match goes to Netherlands. 

Le Normand went for a hard tackle against Gakpo and he conceded the corner. 

Porro with a long cross from Nico, and then Cucurella sent a lobbed ball for Moraata to hit the net.

But, he missed the chance. 

The Chelsea defender makes another block inside the box to eliminate any chances for Netherlands. 

With early goals, teams always get the chance to make a comeback. 

Netherlands, with the support behind them, will look to do the same. 

Gakpo nearly found Frimpong inside the box. But Cucurella came from behind to make the interception and it was an easy save for Simon. 

Nico Williams scores for Spain. 

Great pressing from Lamine Yamal, who took the ball away from Hato, and the Pedri passed it across Nico for him to make a quick turn and send it past Verbruggen.

Spain take the lead. 

Spain are looking in control with central defenders and mid-fielders enjoying more possession on the ball. 

Netherlands with their first attack of the night.

After a swap of play from right to left, Gakpo took a chance with a long range shot. 

He was off-target, though. 

Within the first two minutes, we have Spain making an attack. 

Morata found Pedri with a side of the foot flick. 

But Pedri's effort went straight to Verbruggen

Let's fly high tonight! ✈️#NothingLikeOranje #NEDESP pic.twitter.com/g4nxuEhKCN

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 20, 2025

Since the last time in November 2020, Netherlands take on Spain.

Netherlands in their Orange. Spain is in their yellow away kit. 

We are just minutes awy from the kick-off.

🏟️ Reencontrándonos con un conocido escenario.#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/2FlXDjfSto

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 20, 2025

Entered Oranje territory. 🔶#NothingLikeOranje #NEDESP pic.twitter.com/Awjh78znR6

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 20, 2025

Starting XI: Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata (c), Nico Williams.

Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Dean Huijsen, Alejandro Grimaldo, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Óscar Mingueza, Aleix García, Alejandro Baena, Ayoze Pérez, Samuel Aghehowa, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Starting XI: B. Verbruggen, L. Geertruida, J. P. van Hecke, V. van Dijk, J. Hato, F. de Jong, T. Reijnders, J. Frimpong, J. Kluivert, C. Gakpo, M. Depay.

Subs: Nick Olij, Mark Flekken, Matthijs de Ligt, Youri Baas, Kenneth Taylor, Mats Wieffer, Xavi Simons, Teun Koopmeiners, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey.

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Nick Olij, Mark Flekken,

Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida, Jurriën Timber, Virgil van Dijk, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jeremie Frimpong, Matthijs de Ligt, Youri Baas,

Midfielders: Xavi Simons, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Kenneth Taylor, Mats Wieffer, Frenkie de Jong,

Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert.

Goalkeepers:
- David Raya (Arsenal)
- Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
- Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders:
- Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
- Óscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo)
- Robin Le Normand (Atlético Madrid)
- Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez (both Barcelona)
- Raúl Asensio (Real Madrid)
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders:
- Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
- Marc Casadó (Barcelona)
- Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
- Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
- Álex Baena (Villarreal)
- Pedri (Barcelona)

Forwards:
- Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona)
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
- Yeremy Pino, Ayoze Pérez (both Villarreal)
- Bryan Zaragoza (Osasuna)
- Samu Omorodion (Porto)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
- Álvaro Morata (Galatasaray)

👨🏻‍🏫 Final instructions at the team hotel.

☑️ All ready for the match! #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/aMGSLDUymy

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 20, 2025

Game recognizes game. 💎@DeJongFrenkie21 🤝 @Pedri & Lamine Yamal#NationsLeague | @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/5EP46AVLSS

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 20, 2025

This place will be electric tonight. ⚡️#NothingLikeOranje #NEDESP https://t.co/sPB1G59H2l pic.twitter.com/C2clm8u1jF

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 20, 2025

Football fans from India can watch the Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-finals 1st leg match LIVE on Sony Ten 3 TV Channel on Television and Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription. 

Match: Netherlands vs Spain

Tournament: UEFA Nations League 2025 quarter-finals, 1st Leg

Date: 21st March 2025

Time: 1.15 am IST

Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands