Spain booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League courtesy of a penalty-shootout success over the Netherlands on Sunday night, with the two teams finally being separated after two blockbuster contests.
A 2-2 draw in the first leg last week had left the tie delicately poised ahead of the return fixture, but the pair could not be separated after 120 minutes of football, with a 3-3 draw leaving the score level at 5-5 on aggregate.
A penalty shootout was therefore required to determine which side would march into the semi-finals, and Spain came out on top to set up a last-four clash with France, who managed to squeeze past Croatia on penalties.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored either side of a Memphis Depay penalty to leave Spain 2-1 ahead approaching the latter stages of the second leg, but Ian Maatsen made it 2-2 with a thumping effort in the 79th minute.
Lamine Yamal's stunner made it 3-2 to Spain in the 103rd minute, but Netherlands were not finished, levelling through a Xavi Simons penally to ultimately force penalties in the highly-entertaining quarter-final.
Netherlands missed twice in the shootout through Noa Lang and Donyell Malen, while Pedri netted the decisive spot kick to send the holders into the final four of the tournament.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
And breathe.
What a two-legged quarter-final; Netherlands were excellent in the first leg and deserve so much credit for matching the European champions again on Sunday night, with the tie ultimately being decided by a penalty shootout.
There has been criticism of the UEFA Nations League, but the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 competition have been terrific, and this was another great advert for the tournament, as both teams were clearly desperate to win.
Spain will feel that they should have secured the victory in normal time, or at least in extra time, but they instead gave their supporters some extra entertainment by triumphing via a penalty shootout.
La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente will be slightly concerned with his team's defensive performance over the two legs, but they have so much talent in the final third of the field, while the extraordinary Yamal is capable of leading this side to more glory in the coming years.
Netherlands, though, can take plenty of heart from the two legs, with the future also looking bright for Ronald Koeman's side.
SPAIN VS. NETHERLANDS HIGHLIGHTS
8th min: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (Mikel Oyarzabal)
Spain make the breakthrough in the sixth minute of the contest from the penalty spot, as Oyarzabal fires his effort into the bottom corner; La Roja had been awarded the spot kick after the Real Sociedad attacker had been fouled by Jan Paul van Hecke.
54th min: Spain 1-1 Netherlands (Memphis Depay)
Netherlands level the scores in the 54th minute of the fixture, and the goal comes from Memphis, with the ex-Manchester United attacker converting from the penalty spot after being pulled to the ground by Spain defender Robin Le Normand.
67th min: Spain 2-1 Netherlands (Mikel Oyarzabal)
It is a second of the match for Oyarzabal, with the Real Sociedad attacker heading into the back of the net after smart work from Nico Williams; Netherlands have been undone by a breakaway from the home side here.
79th min: Spain 2-2 Netherlands (Ian Maatsen)
We are all square once again, and it is Maatsen on the scoresheet, with the left-back smashing one into the top corner after finding space inside the Spain box - it is a terrific strike from the Aston Villa defender.
103rd min: Spain 3-2 Netherlands (Lamine Yamal)
Spain regain the lead in the 103rd minute of the match through Yamal, who curls one into the far corner after working his way into the Netherlands penalty box - what a special footballer he is.
109th min: Spain 3-3 Netherlands (Xavi Simons)
Incredible scenes, as the Netherlands have another penalty, with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon fouling Simons inside the box, and the RB Leipzig attacker steps up to convert, making it 3-3 on the night and 5-5 on aggregate.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MIKEL OYARZABAL
This was another brilliant night in a Spain shirt for Oyarzabal, who scored from the penalty shout in the early stages before netting again for the European champions in the second period.
The Real Sociedad attacker was replaced in the 69th minute, shortly after scoring his second, but he was excellent through the middle, boasting a pass success rate of 100%, and he made it so difficult for the Dutch defence on Sunday night.
SPAIN VS. NETHERLANDS MATCH STATS
Possession: Spain 54%-46% Netherlands
Shots: Spain 19-16 Netherlands
Shots on target: Spain 9-9 Netherlands
Corners: Spain 4-2 Netherlands
Fouls: Spain 14-11 Netherlands
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Spain have marched into the semi-finals of the competition, and they will be taking on France in the final four on June 5, with Didier Deschamps's side managing to beat Croatia on penalties.
As for the Netherlands, head coach Koeman will have plenty to unpack following the sensational second leg, and he will now be looking ahead to the team's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, with their Group G opener coming against Finland on June 7.
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