Mikel Merino Snatches Late Draw for Spain in Nations League Thriller

In a dramatic Nations League quarter-final first leg, Arsenal’s Mikel Merino sealed a draw for Spain against the Netherlands with a goal in the final moments. Merino’s crucial strike came after a deflection by Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, left the ball at his feet following a low attempt from Nico Williams. Earlier in the match, Williams had already put Spain ahead in the first half with a precise finish, capitalizing on a slip-up by Dutch defender Jorrel Hato deep in his own side of the pitch.

The Netherlands made a strong comeback, leveling the score when Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo fired a powerful shot into the net with an assist from Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth. Shortly after the break, Tijjani Reijnders put the visitors ahead with a sharp low strike just 39 seconds into the second half. However, after Hato was shown a red card in the final minutes, Merino’s crucial equalizer preserved Spain’s impressive 17-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, which remains intact since their 1-0 loss to Colombia in a friendly last March.

Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth made his senior debut for Spain amidst dramatic circumstances. Although born in the Netherlands, Huijsen lived in Spain from the ages of five to sixteen, and he stepped onto the pitch late in the first half after Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi was injured. The thrilling saga will continue with the second leg on Sunday in Valencia, where the victor will advance to take on either Croatia or France in the semi-finals.