Tijjani Reijnders gives the Netherlands the lead

Cody Gakpo equalizes at De Kuip

Nico Williams puts Spain ahead

Confirmed lineups

A Historic Challenge for Spain in Rotterdam

Netherlands is set to face Spain in a crucial match in Rotterdam, a location where they have never defeated their rivals. This encounter also evokes memories of the most iconic moment in Spain’s football history—the 2010 World Cup final. Luis de la Fuente’s team will try to overcome this historical challenge in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, with the objective of securing their third consecutive appearance in the final four, defending their crown.

Spain returns to De Kuip, the stadium where they won their first Nations League title in June 2023, ending an 11-year trophy drought. It was also the venue where Spain triumphed over Croatia and Luka Modric in a tense final. After a scoreless draw, the match went to penalties, and Unai Simón’s crucial saves followed by Dani Carvajal’s calm final shot secured Spain’s victory. It was a long-awaited moment of glory for Carvajal as an international player.

Netherlands’ Road to Redemption Under Koeman

Netherlands, managed by former FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, is also on a mission to return to the top, step by step, and compete for titles. They came close to a final appearance in Euro 2024, but lost in the semifinals to England. In their recent encounters, Netherlands drew with Germany in Amsterdam and lost narrowly to them in Munich. Koeman welcomes back Memphis Depay, who has been out of action for a long time, for this crucial match. Depay, who missed the semifinal loss to England, is now just two matches away from reaching 100 appearances for Netherlands.

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden).

Stadium: De Kuip.