Mikel Merino Scores Equaliser for Spain Against Netherlands

Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Spain salvaged a 2-2 draw from the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie against Netherlands on 20 Mar.

The reigning Nations League champion started brightly at De Kuip, hitting the front through Nico Williams, who drilled his shot under Bart Verbruggen and in from the edge of the box after good work from Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

Cody Gakpo made it 1-1 after 28 minutes, stroking a first-time finish inside the near post. The host grew in confidence from there and should have led by half-time.

Unai Simon made a reflex save to deny Memphis Depay, then Tijjani Reijnders grazed the top of the crossbar with a fizzing volley from the edge of the box.

After that sighter, Reijnders only needed 39 seconds of the second half to put Netherlands 2-1 up, guiding Jeremie Frimpong's cutback home from 18 yards out. Spain's response to that goal was flat.

But Jorrel Hato's sending off put that advantage in danger, and Mikel Merino took advantage of a late error from Verbruggen to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of Monday's return leg in Valencia.

The visitors almost had a second when Alvaro Morata planted his header just wide in the 19th minute. Netherlands was the master of its own downfall in the third minute of stoppage time, Verbruggen spilling Williams's shot straight to Merino, who gleefully tucked home.

Mikel Merino's goal on 20 Mar will give Spain hope ahead of the return leg. The tie is now evenly balanced, with Spain looking to capitalize on their away goal.

The return leg in Valencia on Monday will be a crucial match for both teams, with a place in the Nations League semi-finals at stake. Mikel Merino will be looking to build on his stoppage-time equaliser and help Spain progress to the next round.