Spain Survives Dutch Storm in Epic 5-4 Penalty Shootout to Reach Nations League Semis

Valencia witnessed a footballing spectacle as Spain edged past the Netherlands in a nerve-shredding 5-4 penalty shootout after a pulsating 3-3 draw, sealing their place in the UEFA Nations League semifinals. With the aggregate locked at 5-5, the reigning champions showed their mettle under pressure, setting up a heavyweight clash with France in June.

From the opening whistle, it was chaos and class in equal measure. Mikel Oyarzabal fired Spain ahead in the 8th minute from the spot, but Memphis Depay answered with his own penalty in the 52nd. The battle raged on as Oyarzabal’s clinical header restored Spain’s lead in the 67th, only for Ian Maatsen to unleash a rocket in the 79th, forcing extra time. The drama didn’t stop—Dani Olmo put Spain up in the 97th, yet Cody Gakpo’s towering header in the 105th dragged the game to its ultimate test: penalties.

The shootout was as tense as the 120 minutes before it. Both sides missed their fourth attempts, but Unai Simón became Spain’s hero, denying Donyell Malen in the sixth round. That left Pedri with the golden chance—and he delivered, sending Mestalla into raptures as Spain extended their unbeaten run to 22 competitive matches.

Manager Luis de la Fuente hailed his team’s grit: “Unai was immense, and these boys have the heart of champions.” Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman rued the heartbreak: “We left everything on that pitch, but penalties are cruel.”

With France waiting in the semifinals, Spain now sets its sights on making history as the first two-time Nations League winners.