The UEFA Nations League 2024/25 quarter-finals kicked off in spectacular fashion, with late goals, red cards, and tactical masterclasses shaping the first-leg encounters.
Spain kept their title defense alive with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against the Netherlands, while Germany stunned Italy with a second-half comeback. Elsewhere, Croatia overpowered France, Denmark edged Portugal, and Ukraine mounted an incredible turnaround against Belgium.
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Spain’s Late Equaliser Keeps Unbeaten Run Alive
Spain kept their impressive unbeaten streak intact with a last-gasp equaliser against the Netherlands in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The defending champions, aiming for back-to-back Nations League triumphs, found themselves in a tough battle against a spirited Dutch side but managed to pull off a dramatic comeback.
Mikel Merino, deployed as a makeshift striker, proved his worth by slotting home from close range in the dying moments of stoppage time. His goal salvaged a crucial draw for Spain, ensuring they carry an advantage into the second leg of their quarter-final clash.
The game had started brightly for Spain, who drew first blood in just the ninth minute. A costly mistake from 19-year-old Jorrel Hato saw Lamine Yamal pounce on the opportunity, feeding Pedri, who set up Nico Williams for a composed finish. However, the Netherlands roared back, with Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders turning the game on its head before Hato’s dismissal left the hosts hanging on in the final moments.
Hato’s Red Card Shifts Momentum
The Netherlands appeared to be in control after their comeback, but their fortunes took a turn for the worse when Hato received a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge with just eight minutes remaining. This dismissal allowed Spain to push forward relentlessly, culminating in Merino’s late heroics.
Spain, unbeaten in their last 22 competitive fixtures, will now return home for the second leg with momentum on their side. Their resilience and ability to perform under pressure have strengthened their case as strong contenders to defend their title.
Germany’s Second-Half Comeback Stuns Italy
Meanwhile, in another gripping quarter-final first leg, Germany overturned a deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Italy at San Siro. The match started with Italy taking an early lead through Sandro Tonali, who capitalised on a well-worked move involving Nicolò Barella and Matteo Politano.
Germany, however, showcased their attacking depth in the second half. Substitute Tim Kleindienst made an instant impact, heading home Joshua Kimmich’s delivery just four minutes after the restart. The momentum had shifted, and Germany continued to apply pressure before Leon Goretzka sealed the comeback with a powerful header 14 minutes from time.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses, stating, “There were a couple of situations that we paid too heavy a price for over the course of the game.” The Italians will need a strong response in the return leg to keep their Nations League hopes alive.
Croatia Overpowers France in Tactical Masterclass
Elsewhere, Croatia delivered a statement performance with a commanding 2-0 win over France. Despite missing an early penalty, the 2023 runners-up dominated the contest, with Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic finding the net.
Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé’s return was expected to bolster France’s attack, but the team struggled to break down a well-organised Croatian defense. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan did his part by saving a penalty from Andrej Kramaric, but his heroics were not enough to inspire a comeback.
Croatia’s disciplined approach ensured they left with a deserved victory, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
Højlund’s Late Strike Lifts Denmark Past Portugal
Denmark also secured a crucial first-leg win, edging Portugal 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Rasmus Højlund. The Manchester United forward, who has endured a difficult club season, made his mark by finding the net in the 78th minute, redeeming his team after Christian Eriksen’s missed penalty.
This result gives Denmark a narrow but vital advantage heading into the return fixture, with Portugal needing a much-improved attacking display to overturn the deficit.
Ireland Battles Back to Beat Bulgaria
In the Nations League playoff, the Republic of Ireland showcased resilience to come from behind and defeat Bulgaria 2-1. Marin Petkov had given the hosts an early lead in Plovdiv, but Finn Azaz quickly responded with his first international goal. Matt Doherty then completed the turnaround with a well-timed header in the 42nd minute.
Ireland’s victory was an important step toward preserving their League B status, with the second leg in Dublin set to be a decisive encounter.
Ukraine Stages Spectacular Comeback Against Belgium
Ukraine produced a remarkable second-half display to defeat Belgium 3-1 in the first leg of their playoff. Despite Romelu Lukaku’s first-half header giving Belgium the lead, Ukraine responded with goals from Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Ilya Zabarnyi to seize control of the tie.
Belgium’s defensive frailties were exposed, and their relegation from the Nations League’s top tier is now a real possibility. Coach Rudi Garcia’s side faces an uphill battle in the return leg to avoid an embarrassing exit.
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FAQs
How did Spain manage a late draw against the Netherlands?
Spain secured a 2-2 draw with a stoppage-time equalizer from Mikel Merino after the Netherlands were reduced to 10 men following Jorrel Hato’s red card.
What was Germany’s key moment in their win over Italy?
Leon Goretzka’s 76th-minute header completed Germany’s comeback to seal a 2-1 victory at San Siro after Tim Kleindienst had earlier canceled out Sandro Tonali’s opener.
Did Kylian Mbappé’s return impact France’s match against Croatia?
Despite Mbappé’s return, France suffered a 2-0 defeat as Croatia’s Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic secured a dominant win in their quarter-final first leg.
Who were the standout performers in the Denmark vs. Portugal clash?
Denmark’s Rasmus Højlund scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, capitalizing on Christian Eriksen’s missed penalty to hand his side a crucial first-leg advantage.
How did Ukraine pull off a comeback against Belgium?
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Ukraine responded with three second-half goals from Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Ilya Zabarnyi to earn a 3-1 victory and move closer to promotion.
