‘Modern’ Oranje superior to ‘helpless’ Spain: ‘Torture in Mestalla looms’

The Netherlands and Spain played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at De Kuip in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final, but it was a night where the result told only part of the story.

While the scoreboard showed balance, the tone and rhythm of the match were largely dictated by the Dutch, whose intensity, pressing, and fluid attacking football exposed deep concerns within the Spanish side concerns that have since dominated headlines in both domestic and international media.

Spain had not won on Dutch soil in their last five visits prior to Thursday’s clash, and that run extended to six by full time. Despite a valiant late equaliser from Mikel Merino that kept the tie alive, the reaction in the Spanish press was dominated by disappointment, frustration, and even a sense of alarm. Marca, one of the country’s most prominent sports newspapers, published a post-match analysis that compared the night’s events to Spain’s humiliating 5-1 loss to the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup a memory rekindled by Dutch fans in the stands waving a massive banner of Robin van Persie, whose iconic diving header became the symbol of that historic thrashing.

The comparison may seem dramatic, but for many Spanish fans and pundits, Thursday’s performance evoked similar feelings of powerlessness. The Netherlands controlled large phases of the game with their aggressive high press, fast ball circulation, and wide attacking overloads. Ronald Koeman’s side looked fresh, modern, and tactically sound, while Spain struggled to establish rhythm or impose their style. As Marca wrote, “The Netherlands were superior in many aspects, and for long stretches it looked like they were going to cruise to a deserved victory over a diluted, hesitant version of the reigning European champions.”

El Mundo reinforced this narrative in even stronger terms. They described Spain’s second-half display as chaotic, writing that the team “played like a headless chicken,” lacking tactical direction or emotional composure. While De la Fuente’s men managed to scrape a draw, it was, in their words, thanks to “an almost miraculous goal” that did little to mask the growing gap in quality and intent between the two sides. The same piece warned that unless there is significant improvement in the return leg, “torture at Mestalla” could await a stark warning for what might happen if Spain allows the Dutch even more space and time to operate.

One of the central themes emerging from the Spanish media is the contrast between the two national teams’ identities. While Spain has long prided itself on its possession-based, patient build-up style, the Dutch displayed a much more vertical, explosive approach. The tempo with which the Netherlands attacked was too much for Spain’s back line, and individual performances made the difference. Jeremie Frimpong, Tijjani Reijnders, and Cody Gakpo were the standout names, repeatedly highlighted by Spanish outlets as emblematic of the new Dutch wave.

Frimpong, who has been drawing attention in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, was described by El Mundo as “electric” a player whose constant motion and attacking mindset caused panic down the Spanish right flank. Reijnders, the Milan midfielder, was praised for his technical security, passing range, and intelligent movement, earning him the label “an exceptional attacking midfielder” in Spanish columns. And Gakpo, already well known for his exploits in Qatar 2022 and now at Liverpool, punished a lapse in concentration from Pedro Porro to score one of the Dutch goals.

So impressive were Frimpong and Reijnders that AS floated the idea of both players being future targets for Real Madrid. Frimpong has already been linked with Los Blancos for some time, but his display in Rotterdam added fuel to the speculation. Reijnders, meanwhile, has grown in prominence after several standout performances for AC Milan in the Champions League and his intelligence and maturity in midfield at De Kuip only enhanced his reputation.

While the Dutch media celebrated the team’s bravery and creativity, the reaction outside the Netherlands was equally glowing. In France, several sports outlets commented that Spain “had rarely been tested so much in recent years” and praised the Dutch for their “lively and unpredictable” style of play. In Belgium, Het Laatste Nieuws zeroed in on Frenkie de Jong and Jeremie Frimpong as the main architects of Spain’s discomfort. De Jong, often criticised for inconsistency, was described as a “field general,” dictating play with calm authority. As for Frimpong, the Belgian paper put it memorably: “Frimpong ran without a compass, but that made him even harder to catch. The Spanish defence had no answer.”

All of this leaves Spain under immense pressure heading into the second leg. De la Fuente’s position is beginning to attract scrutiny, particularly after what many see as an inflexible tactical approach and questionable player selections. Critics have targeted the inclusion of Porro, Robin Le Normand, and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí in the starting lineup decisions seen as risky and ultimately costly against a well-prepared Dutch side.

There’s also a growing narrative that Spain’s identity crisis has become more than a short-term issue. The tiki-taka legacy of the golden era (2008–2012) is fading, and while De la Fuente has tried to evolve the playing style, the team now seems caught between generations and philosophies. The result is a group that appears uncomfortable with the ball and disjointed without it.

By contrast, Koeman seems to have finally found a system that suits the talent at his disposal. His team is young, fast, and cohesive. There is a clear plan, and the players are executing it with conviction. The Dutch haven’t just impressed with the ball they’ve also shown defensive organisation, intensity in recovery, and psychological resilience, especially after letting their lead slip late in the match.

With the return leg to be played at Mestalla one of the most intense and emotionally charged stadiums in Spain the stage is set for a showdown that could define both teams’ short-term futures. For Spain, it’s a must-win not only in terms of the competition, but to salvage belief in a project that’s starting to wobble. For the Netherlands, it’s a chance to confirm their revival and prove they can compete with and outclass Europe’s elite on any stage.

Kick-off in Valencia can’t come soon enough. But if the first leg taught us anything, it’s that the Dutch are no longer just chasing history they’re writing a new chapter, one full of promise, purpose, and fearless football. Spain, meanwhile, must decide whether they want to be part of that future or a footnote in someone else’s.