UEFA Nations League 2025: 'Insatiable' Spain beat Netherlands in thriller as Dean Huijsen draws plaudits

Spain continued their UEFA Nations League title defence with a thrilling penalty shoot-out win against the Netherlands to reach the semi-finals of this year's competition, where they will face France. The tie finished 5-5 on aggregate before Donyell Malen missed the decisive spot kick. France, Germany and Portugal also booked their places in the next round of the competition.

‘Incredible’ Yamal can become an ‘historic player’ - De la Fuente

Video credit: SNTV

Luis de la Fuente praised his "insatiable" team after defending champions Spain overcame the Netherlands on penalties in a blockbuster UEFA Nations League quarter-final.

The teams arrived at Valencia’s Mestalla locked at 2-2 following the first leg, and the hosts put themselves in the lead on three occasions before the Dutch fought back.

Penalties played a key role from the outset with Mikel Oyarzabal giving Spain the lead from the spot, before Memphis Depay made it 1-1 on the night with a strike of his own from 12 yards.

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Oyarzabal got his second goal of the night to edge the Spanish ahead once more, only for Ian Maatsen’s senior international debut goal to take the game to extra time.

Lamine Yamal scored for Spain in the added period, but Xavi Simons got a third equaliser of the night for the Netherlands to see the game finish 3-3, and 5-5 on aggregate.

Yamal missed his spot kick for Spain, while Noa Lang failed for the Dutch, but a miss from Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen proved to be the crucial penalty and Spain progressed to the last four, where they will face France.

Speaking after the match, Spanish boss de la Fuente said: "This team is insatiable. It's a very ambitious group and wants to keep winning.

"We want to live up to the demands of representing Spain. The fans are hooked, once again, on this national team.

"Today we saw a great display. It was a super football spectacle," he said.

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen - who set up Yamal for his goal on the night - has been showered with praise from fans and pundits following the game.

The 19-year-old was making only his second senior international appearance, having made his debut in the first leg.

Huijsen’s impressive display was also particularly gratifying for de la Fuente, who said: "Another good news for Spain, this family keeps growing."

France were also successful in a penalty shoot-out, moving past Croatia to progress.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele scored the goals to level the tie at 2-2 to force extra time, and eventually penalties.

Mike Maignan stopped two spot kicks, before Dayot Upamecano stepped up to tuck home the winner.

First-half goals from Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst were just enough for Germany to draw 3-3 on the night against Italy and progress to the semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

They will play Portugal next after Cristiano Ronaldo scored and missed a penalty as they overcame a first-leg deficit to advance following a seven-goal thriller against Denmark.

The quarter-final ended 3-2 on aggregate after 90 minutes, but goals from Francisco Trincao and Goncalo Ramos took Portugal through 5-3.

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