Spain, the reigning European champions, triumphed over the Netherlands in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout (5-4).

This victory secured their place in the Nations League semi-finals after a dramatic clash in Valencia.

The tie was level at 2-2 after the first leg, thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.

In the return leg, Spain gained an early advantage with Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty, but the Dutch responded swiftly with a Memphis Depay spot-kick to equalize early in the second half.

Oyarzabal then put Spain ahead again, but the Netherlands fought back, and Ian Maatsen’s debut goal leveled the score at 2-2 with just 11 minutes remaining.

Extra time brought more drama as both teams traded goals. Lamine Yamal scored for Spain, and Dutch substitute Xavi Simons equalized from the penalty spot, forcing the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Noa Lang’s effort hit the crossbar for the Netherlands, and though Yamal’s penalty was saved, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón came up with a crucial save from Donyell Malen in sudden death.

Pedri then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sending Spain through to the semi-finals.

The match began with an early penalty for Spain in the 8th minute, when Oyarzabal was fouled by Jan Paul van Hecke. Oyarzabal took the spot-kick himself and calmly converted to give Spain the lead.

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However, he was later denied by an offside flag after a quick one-on-one chance.

The first half saw Spain dominate, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made key saves to deny Nico Williams and keep the Netherlands in the game.

The Dutch started to grow into the match towards the end of the first half, with Frenkie de Jong testing Simón with a powerful shot.

The second half began with a penalty for the Netherlands when Robin Le Normand fouled Memphis Depay in the box.

Depay, marking his 100th appearance for the Oranje, converted the penalty with a powerful strike into the roof of the net.

Spain regained the lead in the 67th minute when Oyarzabal netted a rebound following a swift counter-attack. But the Dutch weren’t finished—Maatsen’s stunning strike from an angle leveled the score at 2-2.

Extra time followed, and Spain regained the lead again through Yamal, who curled in a brilliant shot from the left side of the penalty area.

However, the Netherlands responded in the 109th minute with a penalty after Simón fouled Xavi Simons.

The Dutch midfielder calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

After a tense shootout, Spain emerged victorious and will now face France in the semi-finals, after France also triumphed over Croatia on penalties.

NAN