“`html
The UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands hangs in the balance after a thrilling draw in the first leg. Can Spain capitalize on home advantage to secure a semi-final spot? pixiejars.com brings you the latest insights and predictions for this crucial encounter.
02:45, March 24th, 2025, Quarter-finals League A UEFA Nations League 2024/25
Opta’s supercomputer gives Spain a 62% chance of victory, while the Netherlands sits at 17%.
Spain vs. Netherlands: A Clash of Titans
Match Preview
Spain emerged from a dramatic first-leg draw against the Netherlands with a sense of relief. Nico Williams’ early goal in the 9th minute suggested a comfortable victory, but the Dutch rallied impressively to take the lead. A late equalizer from Merino in the 90+3rd minute salvaged a draw for the reigning European champions. Now, with the roar of the home crowd behind them, Luis de la Fuente’s men know a victory, by any margin, will secure their passage to the semi-finals.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, will rue the missed opportunity to carry a lead into the second leg. Had it not been for Hato’s red card, the “Oranje” might have been in a much stronger position. Nevertheless, Ronald Koeman’s side showed commendable spirit and tactical nous against the European champions, giving them reason for optimism ahead of this challenging away fixture.
The atmosphere at the Spanish home ground will be electric, with the home side determined to secure victory and advance to the next stage of the competition. Their impressive 17-match unbeaten run across all competitions provides a solid foundation for their confidence. The Netherlands, meanwhile, have drawn two and lost one in their last three away games, making an upset victory against the in-form Spaniards a difficult prospect. Koeman’s men face an uphill battle and are likely to return home empty-handed.
Spain vs. Netherlands: Predictions and Analysis
Goal Predictions
The first leg was a goal-fest, with both teams finding the net twice. Both Spain and the Netherlands have been in good scoring form recently, netting 11 and 8 goals respectively in their last five matches. With both sides boasting potent attacking talent, this encounter promises another high-scoring affair, potentially exceeding three goals.
Corner Predictions
Spain and the Netherlands have averaged 5.6 and 4 corners per game respectively in their last five matches. Despite these relatively high averages, the first leg saw only six corners taken. The Dutch defense effectively neutralized Spain’s wingers, Yamal and Nico Williams, in the previous encounter. Therefore, the second leg is likely to see a maximum of nine corners.
Yellow Card Predictions
Both Spain and the Netherlands have received at least two yellow cards in three of their last five matches. Three of the last five encounters between these two sides have also seen a minimum of four yellow cards. With a semi-final spot at stake, this match is expected to be fiercely contested, mirroring the first leg, which saw four yellow cards and one red card brandished.
Match Result Prediction
Spain 2-1 Netherlands
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Squad Updates
Spain: Full squad available.
Netherlands: Hato is suspended.
Predicted Lineups
Spain: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Geertruida, van Hecke, van Dijk, de Ligt; Reijnders, Kluivert, de Jong; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo.
Form and Head-to-Head Record
Recent Form
Spain: Four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Scored 11 goals, conceded 5.
Netherlands: One win, three draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Scored 8 goals, conceded 5.
Head-to-Head
In their last five meetings, Spain has won one, drawn two, and lost two. The Netherlands has won two, drawn two, and lost one.
“`