*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
The hosts entering the game as favourites to win after a dramatic late equaliser helped them secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg on Thursday.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino levelled the score in the third minute of stoppage time in an exciting encounter that saw both teams exchange goals, with Spain’s Nico Williams opening the scoring in the 9th minute.
Spain, the reigning European champions after winning EURO 2024, are in excellent form, having gone 17 matches unbeaten, including 14 wins and 3 draws. Their last defeat came in a friendly match against Colombia a year ago, a 1-0 loss at London Stadium, marking their most recent setback in an international fixture.
Luis de la Fuente’s side qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals by topping their group, which included Denmark, Serbia, and Switzerland. Spain’s attack has been firing on all cylinders, having scored at least two goals in each of their last four Nations League matches.
All eyes will be on Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, who made his senior international debut for Spain in 2023, becoming the youngest player to represent the country and score for them. Comparisons to Lionel Messi have quickly followed him, but Frenkie de Jong, his teammate at Barcelona, believes no player should be compared to Messi, calling him a unique talent. De Jong praised Yamal for his natural ability and potential.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, who recently joined Spain's senior squad, could start in defence following an injury to Pau Cubarsi. Despite being born in the Netherlands, Huijsen has chosen to represent Spain.
Key Absentees for Spain: Pau Cubarsi (defender), Marc Casado (midfielder), Ferran Torres (forward), all of whom play for Barcelona.
Netherlands' Struggles Ahead
The Netherlands, coached by Ronald Koeman, face an uphill battle after letting a potential win slip away in the first leg. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) and Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan) scored for the Dutch, but a red card for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato in the 81st minute left the Netherlands a man down, and he will miss the return leg.
Despite the tough situation, Gakpo has been in excellent form, having directly contributed to 21 goals in his 37 appearances for the national team.
The Dutch have had a solid Nations League campaign, finishing second in their group behind Germany, and are no strangers to high-pressure situations. The last three encounters between Spain and the Netherlands have resulted in one win and two draws for the Dutch, suggesting that this match could go to extra time.
Key Absentees for the Netherlands: Jorrel Hato (suspended), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), and Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan).
Betting Suggestions:
- Spain to Win – Spain’s strong form and home advantage make them firm favourites to win the second leg.
- Both Teams to Score – Given both teams' attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities, a BBTS bet looks promising.
- Over 2.5 Goals – Spain has been prolific in front of goal, and with the Netherlands' offensive quality, there’s a good chance this match will see over 2.5 goals.
- Draw at Half-Time, Spain to Win – With Spain having a tendency to take control later in games, a half-time draw and Spain to win could offer solid value.
- Anytime Goal Scorer: Lamine Yamal – At 17, Yamal has already proven his ability to make an impact for Spain. A bet on him to score at any time could offer good odds.