The second leg of the 2024/25 Nations League quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands will take place on March 23 at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw. Spain vs. Netherlands: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Spain
Spain took the lead in the first match, but by the start of the second half, they found themselves trailing. Luis de la Fuente's side managed to equalize in stoppage time (2-2), ending their five-match winning streak in the Nations League. Notably, Spain has scored at least two goals in their last four consecutive matches in this tournament. The draw in the previous match leaves them with a good chance to reach the Nations League semi-finals for the third consecutive time.
- Spain has scored first in their last 6 Nations League games.
- At home, the team has not lost in 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament (4 wins, 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Spain's last 6 Nations League matches.
Predicted lineup for Spain (4-3-3)
Unai Simón – Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Pedro Porro – Fabián Ruiz, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri – Álvaro Morata, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal.
Defenders Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsi are in the team's medical room. Forward Ayoze Pérez will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman's side was close to victory in the first match but allowed their opponents to equalize just before the final whistle. The Netherlands has been performing well in the Nations League, remaining unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 matches (2 wins, 4 draws). However, they have kept a clean sheet in only one game during this period. Like Spain, the Netherlands can secure their third appearance in the semi-finals of this tournament.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of the Netherlands' last 9 Nations League matches.
- In 7 of their last 8 away games in the Nations League, the team has conceded exactly 1 goal.
- The Netherlands has not lost in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament (4 wins, 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for the Netherlands (4-3-3)
Bart Verbruggen – Jeremie Frimpong, Jorrell Hato, Virgil van Dijk, Lutsharel Geertruida – Jan Paul van Hecke, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong – Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert, Cody Gakpo.
Defender Jorrell Hato is suspended.
Referee
Clément Turpin (France)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 54%.
Match Prediction: Spain vs. Netherlands
The Dutch team held their own against the reigning Nations League and European champions. It's uncertain how the first match would have ended if not for a sending-off from the team. Even with a man down, Ronald Koeman's side did not succumb to their opponents. I believe the Netherlands gained confidence from this match and will not shy away in the return leg. They are also not afraid to attack away from home, having scored in 7 of their last 8 Nations League matches. However, they have only kept a clean sheet in one match during this period.
Spain needs to step up, as they were expected to perform more confidently. On home soil, the team shows good results in the Nations League and has not played a single home match in this tournament without scoring. However, as the first match showed, Luis de la Fuente's side is vulnerable in defense. Additionally, Spain has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three Nations League matches, marking their second-longest streak of conceding goals in the tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes