Spain have kicked off 2025 with a 2-2 draw on the highway at Ronald Koeman Netherlands within the UEFA Nations League quarter finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s facet completed high of their group on the finish of 2024 and had been drawn in opposition to La Oranje within the final eight.
La Roja are battling to achieve the summer season collection in June to defend their title on the again of successful Euro 2024 final summer season.
Nevertheless, De la Fuente’s fees might want to do higher in Valencia in subsequent Sunday’s second leg sport, to make sure they continue to be within the hunt.
Nico Williams obtained Spain off to the proper begin in Rotterdam as he buried Pedri’s go contained in the opening 10 minutes.
That positivity was not constructed upon although, because the hosts gained a foothold within the sport, and Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo fired them degree at 1-1 earlier than the break.
Pau Cubarsi’s harm early harm was a half time concern for De la Fuente- as Dean Huijsen got here on for his debut – and a sluggish Spain had been punished instantly after restart as Tijjani Reijnders swept the Dutch 2-1 in entrance.
Spain by no means actually reacted to that setback, as De la Fuente made a number of late modifications, with Robin Le Normand was referred to as into two key blocks late on.
Dutch defender Jorrel Hato was dismissed for catching Le Normand within the closing phases, however simply because the 10-man hosts seemed to be holding on, Arsenal star Mikel Merino snatched an equaliser.
Merino continued his eye for purpose from the Gunners as he prodded dwelling from shut rang as Williams’ effort was saved out.
A draw extends De le Fuente’s unbeaten run to 17 video games stretching all the best way again to March 2024, and he has not misplaced a aggressive match since shedding out Scotland in March 2023 firstly of his tenure.
Pictures through Getty Pictures / One Soccer