Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Spain salvaged a 2-2 draw from the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie against the Netherlands, who had Jorrel Hato sent off.

The reigning Nations League – and European – champions Spain started brightly at De Kuip, hitting the front through Nico Williams, but Cody Gakpo made it 1-1 after 28 minutes.

Tijjani Reijnders then found the bottom-left corner with an excellent side-footed finish in the first minute of the second half to give Ronald Koeman's hosts a deserved lead.

But Hato's sending off put the Netherlands' lead in danger, and Merino took advantage of a late error from Bart Verbruggen to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of Sunday's return leg in Valencia.

Spain only needed nine minutes to go ahead, Williams drilling his shot under Verbruggen and in from the edge of the box following good work from Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

The visitors almost had a second when Alvaro Morata planted his header just wide in the 19th minute, then Gakpo stroked a first-time finish inside the near post to make it 1-1.

The hosts grew in confidence from there and should have led by half-time. Unai Simon made a reflex save to deny Memphis Depay, then Reijnders grazed the top of the crossbar with a fizzing volley from the edge of the box.

After that sighter, Reijnders only needed 39 seconds of the second half to put the Netherlands 2-1 up, guiding Jeremie Frimpong's cutback home from 18 yards out. 

Spain's response to that goal was flat, but they were given hope when Hato leapt into a rash challenge on Robin Le Normand and caught the Atletico Madrid defender on the ankle with his studs, receiving a red card with nine minutes to play.

The Netherlands were the masters of their own downfall in the third minute of stoppage time, Verbruggen spilling Williams' shot straight to Merino, who gleefully tucked home.

Data Debrief: Roja run continues

Spain were moments away from their first defeat in almost a year, having last been on the losing side against Colombia in a friendly in London on March 22, 2024.

But Merino saved them at the last, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 matches (14 wins, three draws).

Luis de la Fuente was unable to mastermind Spain's first-ever away win over the Netherlands, though – La Roja have now visited six times, drawing twice and losing on four occasions.

Gakpo was arguably the standout player as the Netherlands took the game to the Euro 2024 victors at 11 versus 11.

The Liverpool man has been involved in 21 goals in his first 37 games for his country (15 goals, six assists), the second-highest tally by any player through his first 37 appearances for the Netherlands this century, after Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (23, Arjen Robben also 21).