UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 2nd Leg

Mar 23, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Estadio de Mestalla

Spain
3 - 3
Netherlands

(5-5 on aggregate)

Oyarzabal (8' pen., 67'), Yamal (103')
Le Normand (53'), Simon (108')

FT
(aet)

Depay (54' pen.), Maatsen (79'), Simons (109' pen.)
Depay (60')

Spain win 5-4 on penalties

Spain vs. Netherlands: La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente confirms double fitness boost

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: March 23 2025 | 12:59

Last updated: March 23 2025 | 17:05

Double fitness boost: Spain boss De la Fuente confirms duo are available for selection

Spain will have Alvaro Morata and Robin Le Normand available for Sunday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg against Netherlands.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente will have Alvaro Morata and Robin Le Normand available for Sunday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg against the Netherlands.

A stomach issue had seen La Roja captain Morata emerge as a doubt for the contest, while Le Normand suffered a knock in the latter stages of the first leg against the Netherlands.

However, De la Fuente has revealed that the duo are both available for selection for the contest with Ronald Koeman's side.

"The entire squad is in tip top condition. Morata had a stomach issue yesterday, but he's completely fine now. Le Normand trained separately yesterday, but he's doing well. Everyone will be available for tomorrow," De la Fuente told reporters.

The quarter-final tie is delicately poised, with the two teams playing out a 2-2 draw; Netherlands led 2-1 until the latter stages of the contest before Mikel Merino came up with a leveller for Spain.

Spain's Alvaro Morata celebrates with the UEFA Nations League trophy on June 18, 2023 © Imago

Morata, Le Normand will be available for Sunday's clash with the Netherlands

"The players always give their all, and it's a pleasure to coach them. We will try to minimise the Netherlands' strengths; they are a fantastic team with players in top form. Statistically, we were the better side. Playing to our own strengths, we are also capable of making things difficult for them," De la Fuente added.

"This is a squad full of top-level players, and I manage it like any normal team. Some players have to be left off of the team sheet. [Raul] Asensio is happy to be here and to experience this environment. Everyone who misses out stays positive and shows great team spirit.

"We will try to be more effective in defence while continuing to display the same talent and efficiency in attack.

"I am lucky to have 26 fantastic players, plus many others who could also be here. I could easily form two top quality national teams. They always put the team first, and that is one of our greatest strengths."

Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring Spain's first goal on June 24, 2024 [IMAGO] © Imago

Could De la Fuente make a change at centre-forward?

De la Fuente has confirmed that he is considering making a change in the final third of the field against the Netherlands, with Ferran Torres potentially being introduced as the number nine.

"I'm considering Ferran Torres as a number nine, but we also have [Dani] Olmo, [Mikel] Oyarzabal, Morata, Samu [Aghehowa]... we'll see which player we choose depending on the game plan. Whoever comes off the bench will also be important", the Spain boss added.

Morata has scored 37 times in 85 caps for Spain, while Torres has 21 goals in 48 appearances for the national team.