Spain vs Netherlands

Spain and the Netherlands are set to lock horns at Estadio de Mestalla for the return leg of their evenly-poised UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie.

A dramatic stoppage-time equalizer salvaged a crucial 2-2 draw for Spain against the Netherlands in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final. Now returning home for the decisive clash at Valencia’s Mestalla, La Roja will need every edge they can get to progress, having won just one of their last nine H2H meetings (D3, L5). Breaking that psychological barrier won’t be easy, but Spain can draw confidence from their outstanding 17-match unbeaten streak (W14, D3). Furthermore, the defending Euro and Nations League champions boast a perfect home record in this edition’s group stage, winning all three games. As if that’s not encouraging enough, Luis de la Fuente’s charges haven’t failed to win consecutive competitive fixtures since their 2022 World Cup exit.

Despite their dominant H2H record against Spain, the Netherlands must overcome a rough patch to secure a semi-final spot. The first-leg draw extended their run to just one win in their last six outings (D4, L1), all within this competition. However, history favors the Oranje in the Nations League, having reached the finals in two of the past three editions. To repeat that feat, they must secure their first away win of this cycle (D2, L1). While their last victory over a top-ten FIFA-ranked side was a 4-1 demolition of Belgium in September 2022, the highest-ranked opponent they’ve beaten since is Turkey (#28), highlighting the size of the task awaiting Ronald Koeman’s men.