Spain edged past the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties at home on Sunday to advance to the Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling second leg ended 3-3, resulting in a 5-5 aggregate score. The decisive moment in the shootout came in the sixth round when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved Donyell Malen’s attempt, allowing Pedri to convert the winning penalty and secure Spain’s place in the next round.
The first leg in Rotterdam had ended in a 2-2 draw, with Spain scoring a stoppage-time equalizer against a 10-man Dutch side. In the return match at Mestalla Stadium, Spain took an early lead in the 8th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after being fouled by Jan Paul van Hecke. Shortly after, Nico Williams had a chance to double the lead, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a crucial save to keep the scoreline intact.
Despite Spain’s early dominance, the Netherlands found their equalizer early in the second half. Memphis Depay calmly slotted home a penalty after being fouled by Robin Le Normand. Spain regained the lead in the 67th minute through a counterattack, with Williams assisting Oyarzabal, who finished on the rebound after his initial effort was saved by Verbruggen. However, the Netherlands struck back again in the 79th minute when debutant Ian Maatsen fired a powerful shot from a tight angle to bring the score level and send the game to extra time.
Spain reclaimed the advantage 13 minutes into extra time when Lamine Yamal controlled a long pass from Dean Huijsen, brushed off his marker, and curled a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner. The Netherlands, however, refused to back down and leveled the match again when Xavi Simons converted a penalty in the second half of extra time after being fouled by Simon, pushing the match to a tense penalty shootout.
With their victory, Spain will face France in the semi-final on June 5 in Stuttgart, after Les Bleus also advanced through a narrow penalty shootout win over Croatia.
