A dramatic stoppage-time goal from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino salvaged a 2-2 draw for Spain against the Netherlands in a pulsating UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg clash at Stadion Feijenoord on Thursday evening.
The late equalizer, coming deep into added time, capped off a captivating encounter that saw both sides trade blows and momentum swings.
Merino, a second-half substitute, was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range after Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could only parry Nico Williams’ initial low drive.
Williams had earlier put the reigning European champions ahead in the ninth minute with a composed finish.
The goal stemmed from a costly error by young Dutch full-back Jorrel Hato, who lost possession deep in his own half, allowing Spain to capitalize ruthlessly.
However, the Netherlands responded strongly and found an equalizer before the hour mark. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, a constant threat, powered home a low shot after receiving a pass from Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert.
The home side then appeared to have secured a slender advantage just 39 seconds into the second half. Tijjani Reijnders, with a well-placed low shot, seemed to have given the Netherlands the edge heading into the second leg.
The complexion of the game shifted again in the 81st minute when Hato, who had endured a difficult evening, was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Mikel Oyarzabal.
With the Netherlands down to ten men, Spain pushed forward, and their pressure eventually paid off with Merino’s late intervention.
Merino’s crucial goal extended Spain’s impressive unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 matches, a streak dating back to a friendly defeat against Colombia in March of the previous year.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the match was the senior debut of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen for Spain. Born in the Netherlands but having spent a significant portion of his youth in Spain, Huijsen was brought on late in the first half after an injury to Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi.
The second leg of this enthralling quarter-final is scheduled for Sunday in Valencia. The winner of the tie will progress to the semi-finals, where they will face either Croatia or France.
