Spain and Netherlands Clash in Epic UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — When Spain and the Netherlands meet on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Stadion Feijenoord, it will mark the opening of their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal series. The highly anticipated first leg will kick off at 20:45 local time, with the return leg scheduled for Sunday, March 23, in Spain.

Both teams are banking on strong tactical setups: Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation, whereas Spain’s Luis de la Fuente will deploy a 4-2-3-1 scheme. Koeman’s squad is missing defender Denzel Dumfries due to injury but called in Youri Baas as his replacement. Spain will seek to maximize their depth, having selected a strong roster despite injuries and suspensions.

The substitutes for the Netherlands include Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong, Nick Olij, Tijani Reijnders, Jerdy Schouten, Kenneth Taylor, Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, Mats Wieffer, and Noa Lang. The team has shown strong form but will face a challenging match against a talented Spanish side.

After the initial leg, the teams are evenly matched according to betting odds, with Spain holding a slight advantage. This competition is gaining momentum with fans keen to see which team will advance to the semifinals, making the March 23 rematch in Spain a pivotal encounter.

Following their recent 2-2 draw, both coaches acknowledged the strength of their opponents. “The last minutes were very good on our part. We know now we need to resolve the situation at home in Valencia,” said De la Fuente during a post-match interview on Teledeporte.

Spanish forward Nico Williams opened the scoring early in the last match, demonstrating Spain’s aggressive style of play. However, goals from Cody Gakpo and Zeno Reijnders put the Dutch ahead, until a late equalizer from Mikel Merino in stoppage time salvaged a pivotal point for La Roja.

Merino commented on the atmosphere in Rotterdam, stating, “Every match is tough, especially against such a great rival. We have the talent and we are optimistic heading into the return leg.” Koeman acknowledged the quality within the Spanish ranks, emphasizing the need to control the midfield to succeed.

The first leg illustrated the ebb and flow of international competition. While Spain had the initial advantage, the Netherlands capitalized on their home-field effects, putting significant pressure on the guests.

“We must impose ourselves on the field at home. It has been a while since we’ve played together and after such an intense affair, getting back the flow is paramount,” remarked De la Fuente.

Tickets for both matches sold out quickly, reflecting the high stakes and enthusiasm surrounding this tightly contested quarterfinal. As these two teams, both rich in history and talent, square off, fans anticipate an electrifying encounter that could set the tone for future meetings.

In the upcoming rematch in Mestalla, only time will tell which team will advance further in the UEFA Nations League.