In a dramatic UEFA Nations League quarterfinal first leg, Spain salvaged a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at De Kuip in Rotterdam, thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer from Mikel Merino. The match saw the Netherlands playing with ten men after Jorrel Hato received a red card late in the game, putting their lead in jeopardy.

Spain made a strong start, taking the lead in the 9th minute when Nico Williams scored from the edge of the box, benefiting from excellent setup play by Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Pedri. However, the Netherlands responded well, with Cody Gakpo equalizing in the 28th minute, finishing expertly inside the near post.

As the match progressed, Tijjani Reijnders put the Netherlands ahead just after halftime, striking a precise side-footed shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. The hosts appeared in control, but Hato's reckless challenge on Robin Le Normand led to his dismissal with just nine minutes remaining, shifting momentum back to Spain.

In the dying moments of the match, Spain capitalized on a mistake from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who spilled Williams' shot directly into the path of Merino, allowing him to score the equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time. This result extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 17 matches, while the Netherlands will feel disappointed after letting a win slip away.

The two teams now head into the second leg in Valencia, with the tie delicately poised and both sides eager to secure a place in the semifinals.