UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals Second Leg: Can Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy Overcome the Odds?

The UEFA Nations League 2025 quarter-finals are reaching their decisive phase, with four high-stakes second-leg encounters set to determine the semi-finalists. After intense first-leg battles, Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy face uphill tasks, while the Netherlands, Croatia, Denmark, and Germany look to protect their advantages.

As the teams finalize their preparations, we analyze the first leg results, tactical approaches, key players, and potential outcomes for these crucial fixtures.

Spain vs Netherlands

First-Leg Recap: Late Drama in Rotterdam

The first leg ended in a 2-2 thriller, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess. Spain took an early lead through Nico Williams (9′), but the Netherlands hit back as Cody Gakpo (28′) and Tijjani Reijnders (46′) put the hosts in front. However, after Jorrel Hato‘s red card, Spain found a late equalizer via Mikel Merino (90+3′).

➡ Key stat: Spain had 65% possession but struggled to break down the Dutch defense until the final moments.

Team News & Tactical Outlook

• Spain will have a full squad except for young defender Pau Cubarsí and forward Ferran Torres (both injured). Coach Luis de la Fuente has emphasized mental resilience, calling for his team to “suffer” and show determination.
• Netherlands face a defensive headache with Hato suspended, leaving Ian Maatsen or Youri Baas as potential replacements. Coach Ronald Koeman warned his team to be better and expects Spain to be aggressive from the start.

Key Players to Watch

• Spain: Lamine Yamal (explosive winger), Dani Olmo (playmaker), Pedri (midfield general).
• Netherlands: Memphis Depay (goal threat), Frenkie de Jong (midfield control), Virgil van Dijk (defensive leader).

France vs Croatia

First-Leg Recap: Croatia Stun France in Zagreb

A clinical Croatia shocked France with a 2-0 home win. Ante Budimir (26′) and Ivan Perišić (45+1′) were the heroes as Didier Deschamps’ men failed to convert their chances despite the return of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

➡ Key stat: France attempted 16 shots, but only 5 were on target.

Team News & Tactical Outlook

France need a big response in Paris. Mbappé, who was returning from injury, is now fully fit and expected to lead the attack.
Croatia will focus on defensive organization, aiming to frustrate France and hit on the counter. Luka Modrić and Ante Budimir will dictate the tempo.

Key Players to Watch

• France: Kylian Mbappé (X-factor), Barcola (creativity), William Saliba (defensive anchor).
• Croatia: Luka Modrić (midfield maestro), Joško Gvardiol (rock at the back), Andrej Kramarić (goal poacher).

Portugal vs Denmark

First-Leg Recap: Denmark Edge Past Portugal

A hard-fought 1-0 win for Denmark in Copenhagen has left Portugal needing a strong response. Rasmus Højlund (78′) scored the only goal, while Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet by Denmark’s well drilled defense.

➡ Key stat: Portugal had 60% possession but only managed two shots on target.

Team News & Tactical Outlook

Portugal will push forward aggressively, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva looking to unlock the Danish defense.
Denmark will stick to their compact defensive shape, relying on Højlund’s pace to exploit Portugal’s high defensive line.

Key Players to Watch

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo (big game experience), Bernardo Silva (playmaking ability), Rúben Dias (defensive leader).
Denmark: Christian Eriksen (set piece danger), Rasmus Højlund (goal scorer), Andreas Christensen (defensive pillar).

Germany vs Italy

First-Leg Recap: Germany Take the Advantage in Italy

A 2-1 away win for Germany has put Italy under pressure. Sandro Tonali (9′) gave Italy the lead, but Tim Kleindienst (49′) equalized for Germany, and Leon Goretzka (76′) sealed the turnaround for the visitors.

➡ Key stat: Italy had 59% possession but managed only four shots on target.

Team News & Tactical Outlook

Germany will look to control the tempo at home, with Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané driving their midfield.
Italy, under Luciano Spalletti, will go all-out in attack, needing at least two goals. Mateo Retegui is injured, meaning Moise Kean will be relied upon to lead the attack. Nicolò Barella will be crucial in midfield as Italy seeks to break down Germany’s defense.

Key Players to Watch

• Germany: Jamal Musiala (game changer), Leon Goretzka (goal scoring midfielder), Antonio Rüdiger (defensive rock).
• Italy: Moise Kean (speed and creativity), Nicolò Barella (engine in midfield), Alessandro Bastoni (defensive anchor).