Spain secured a dramatic draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final first leg, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino.
The Arsenal midfielder capitalised on a parried shot from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, converting from close range to level the score.
Spain had taken the lead in the first half through Nico Williams, who capitalised on a defensive error by Dutch full-back Jorrel Hato.
The Netherlands responded strongly after the break. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo equalised with a powerful low shot, assisted by Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert.
Tijjani Reijnders then appeared to give the Netherlands a crucial lead early in the second half.
However, Hato’s late red card gave Spain an advantage, which they exploited when Merino scored the equaliser.
The draw extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 17 matches.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, making his senior debut for Spain, came on as a first-half substitute after an injury to Pau Cubarsi.
The second leg will be played in Valencia on Sunday, with the winner facing either Croatia or France in the semi-finals.
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