Spain’s Last-Minute Miracle: Merino Rescues a Dramatic Draw Against the Netherlands!
Spain fought until the very last breath, and it paid off. In a high-intensity Nations League showdown, a 93rd-minute strike from Mikel Merino secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw for La Roja against a dominant Netherlands side in Rotterdam. Despite long stretches of struggle, the reigning European champions found a way to escape with a valuable point.
A Dutch Masterclass Leaves Spain Reeling
The Netherlands came out strong, resembling the vintage "Clockwork Orange" of old, while Spain looked unusually disconnected. Playing at De Kuip, the historic stadium where Johan Cruyff once dazzled, Ronald Koeman’s team put on an impressive display. From the start, Spain found themselves overwhelmed by the Dutch intensity, lacking their usual cohesion and rhythm.
Despite the early struggles, a brilliant play by young sensation Lamine Yamal set up Nico Williams for Spain’s opening goal. But the Dutch response was immediate—Jeremie Frimpong, a standout performer on the right wing, terrorized the Spanish defense. Cody Gakpo’s thunderous strike soon leveled the score, and Spain continued to suffer under relentless Dutch pressure.
Second-Half Nightmare for Spain
The restart offered no respite for Luis de la Fuente’s side. Tijjani Reijnders, orchestrating the Dutch midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong and Justin Kluivert, controlled the tempo. Frimpong, unstoppable down the right, created the Netherlands' second goal, with Reijnders firing a powerful shot past Unai Simón. Spain looked lost, struggling to penetrate a disciplined Dutch defense.
Even a triple substitution—bringing in Ayoze, Oyarzabal, and Dani Olmo—failed to turn the tide. But fate had one final twist. A reckless challenge from Jorrel Hato saw the Dutch reduced to ten men, offering Spain a lifeline.
Merino: The Hero in Stoppage Time
With the Netherlands now a man down, Spain saw an opportunity. Nico Williams unleashed a dangerous shot, forcing Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen into a poor clearance. The ball fell kindly to Mikel Merino, who capitalized on the moment, smashing it into the net in the 93rd minute.
Spain may not have played their best football, but champions find a way. With Mestalla now awaiting the European titleholders, the road to redemption continues.