The reigning Nations League – and European – champion started brightly at De Kuip, hitting the front through Nico Williams, but Cody Gakpo made it 1-1 after 28 minutes.

Tijjani Reijnders found the bottom-left corner with an excellent side-footed finish in the first minute of the second half to give the Dutch the lead.

But Hato's sending off put that advantage in danger and Merino took advantage of a late error from Bart Verbruggen to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of Monday's return leg in Valencia.

Spain only needed nine minutes to go ahead, Williams drilling his shot under Verbruggen and in from the edge of the box after good work from Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

The visitors almost had a second when Alvaro Morata planted his header just wide in the 19th minute, then Gakpo stroked a first-time finish inside the near post to make it 1-1.

The host grew in confidence from there and should have led by half-time. Unai Simon made a reflex save to deny Memphis Depay, then Reijnders grazed the top of the crossbar with a fizzing volley from the edge of the box.

After that sighter, Reijnders only needed 39 seconds of the second half to put Netherlands 2-1 up, guiding Jeremie Frimpong's cutback home from 18 yards out. 

Spain's response to that goal was flat, but it was given hope when Hato leapt into a rash challenge on Robin Le Normand and caught the Atletico Madrid defender on the ankle with his studs, receiving a red card with nine minutes to play.

Netherlands was the master of its own downfall in the third minute of stoppage time, Verbruggen spilling Williams's shot straight to Merino, who gleefully tucked home.