A victory that would secure a spot in the Nations League Final Four for the third consecutive edition is what Spain, the current champions, will be aiming for this Sunday at Mestalla, when they face the Netherlands in the second leg of the quarterfinals. 

Hard-Fought Draw in Rotterdam

In one of the most demanding matches for the national team in recent times, Spain managed to draw 2-2 against the Dutch side thanks to a goal from Mikel Merino in the 93rd minute, showcasing their competitive spirit as European champions. However, everything is still to play for in the historic Mestalla Stadium.

La Roja hasn’t played at Mestalla since 2019, when they won 2-1 against Norway in the first qualifying match for Euro 2020, with goals from Rodrigo Moreno and Sergio Ramos. To secure a spot in the Final Four for the third consecutive year, they will need to replicate that result, but it won’t be easy. Luis de la Fuente himself acknowledged that a Spain–Netherlands match could easily be a Euro final, especially after the last encounter.

Despite Nico Williams putting Spain ahead, Ronald Koeman's team managed to turn the game around. However, Spain fought back, extending their unbeaten streak in official matches to 22, reaffirming their credentials as champions.

Key Absences and New Faces

For this crucial match, Spain will be without forward Ayoze Pérez, who was booked in the first leg, and captain Álvaro Morata, who missed the team’s first training session in Valencia due to illness. Defender Robin Le Normand also trained separately from the squad.

With Pau Cubarsí unavailable, Luis de la Fuente has called up Mario Gila from Lazio. The 24-year-old defender joined the squad in Valencia on Friday and completed his first training session with the national team.

The central defense pairing will be unfamiliar, with Dean Huijsen replacing Cubarsí in the first leg. With key players like Carvajal, Vivian, Laporte, and Íñigo Martínez unavailable, it’s down to Asencio or Huijsen to join Le Normand at the back. While Asencio has been one of the season’s revelations, Huijsen’s strong performance in the Netherlands may earn him a starting spot.

Although there are no players from Valencia CF in the current Spanish squad, former academy graduate Ferran Torres and Valencia-born Alejandro Grimaldo are present. On the Dutch side, Ronald Koeman has fond memories of Mestalla, having managed Valencia between 2007 and 2008, winning the Copa del Rey. Justin Kluivert also played for Valencia on loan during the 2022-23 season, and he has positive memories of the stadium.

The Netherlands will be without defender Jorrel Hato, who was sent off in the first leg, and will rely on Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Frimpong, who caused plenty of trouble for Spain in Rotterdam, as they seek to advance to the Final Four.

Probable Lineups:

Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Morata.
The Netherlands: Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Baas or Timber; Reijnders, De Jong, Kluivert; Frimpong, Memphis Depay, Gakpo.

Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
Stadium: Mestalla