Spain and the Netherlands find themselves deadlocked heading into Sunday’s Nations League quarter-final second leg in Valencia.

Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike secured the reigning European and Nations League champions their 2-2 draw in Rotterdam on Thursday night, with Jorrel Hato’s red card eight minutes from time proving costly for the Oranje.

The Netherlands have never won the Nations League previously, coming closest during the inaugural 2018/19 tournament where they were beaten finalists. Ronald Koeman and his players will be hoping to go one step further this year.

But claiming victory over Spain – who are unbeaten in their last 17 matches in all competitions – will prove an immense challenge, with Luis de la Fuente’s star-studded squad favourites for this year’s Nations League crown.

Sunday’s winner will progress to the semi-finals to face either Croatia or France, but if nothing separates the two European giants after 90 minutes, extra-time and potentially penalties will be required to decide the outcome.

Here is 90min’s guide to the encounter.

Spain are without Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi after the youngster was withdrawn during the first leg due to an ankle injury. He was replaced by Dean Huijsen and the impressive Bournemouth teenager, linked with some of the continent’s biggest clubs, is likely to earn a first start.

Robin Le Normand could also miss out with a knock but Spain are hopeful he’ll be good to go.

The established midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz will guard the backline, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter scoring and assisting on Thursday – will play either side of skipper Alvaro Morata.

Spain predicted lineup vs Netherlands (4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.

The Dutch will be without the services of young Hato after he was shown a straight red card against Spain on Thursday evening, forcing a reshuffle in defence for Koeman. Lutsharel Geertruida may swap flanks to replace the left-back.

Xavi Simons should come into the starting lineup on the right wing but there are unlikely to be any other changes in the forward line. Cody Gakpo scored on Thursday and Justin Kluivert assisted in attacking midfield. Memphis Depay should lead the line again after returning to the squad.

Netherlands predicted lineup vs Spain (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Frimpong, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Geertruida; Reijnders, De Jong; Simons, Kluivert, Gakpo; Memphis.

Given Spain’s lengthy unbeaten run – consisting of 14 wins from 17 matches without defeat – it would be no surprise to see La Roja progress to the final four, especially given they have home advantage for the second leg.

The Netherlands are shaky in defence at the best of times and find themselves stretched at the back following injuries, while they’re also missing the influential Ryan Gravenberch in defensive midfield due to injury.

Spain’s attacking stars should get some joy in Valencia and come out on top.