UEFA Nations League Quarter-Finals: First Leg

On March 20, 2025, the UEFA Nations League served up some exciting and high-energy matches, as various teams clashed in both the quarter-finals and play-offs. The day featured incredible performances, intense drama, and tactical showdowns that will be remembered for a long time. Here’s a detailed summary of the key moments and results.

Netherlands 2-2 Spain
In Rotterdam, Spain and the Netherlands fought to a hard-fought draw. Spain struck first in the 9th minute with a goal from Nico Williams. The Netherlands quickly answered with two goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the 81st minute due to a red card for Hato, Spain showed great resilience, and Mikel Merino’s last-minute equalizer ensured the game ended 2-2, setting up an exciting second leg.
Croatia 2-0 France
Croatia claimed a dominant 2-0 victory over France in their quarter-final match. Goals from Ivan Perišić (26’) and Ante Budimir (46’) secured the win at Stadion Poljud. Although France had moments of promise, they couldn’t break through Croatia’s defense, leaving them with a difficult task in the return leg.
Denmark 1-0 Portugal
Denmark narrowly defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Rasmus Højlund in the 78th minute. Both teams were strong defensively, but Denmark capitalized on their opportunity to secure the vital win. Portugal will now need to find an equalizer in the second leg to stay in contention.
Italy 1-2 Germany
In Milan, Italy suffered a 2-1 loss to Germany. Italy took the lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Sandro Tonali, but Germany responded after the break with goals from Tim Kleindienst (49’) and Leon Goretzka (76’). Germany’s tactical adjustments and clinical finishing handed them an important away victory in the first leg.

UEFA Nations League Play-Offs: First Leg

Ukraine 3-1 Belgium
Ukraine pulled off an impressive 3-1 win against Belgium in the play-offs. Despite Belgium taking the lead through Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the 40th minute, Ukraine bounced back with goals from Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Ilya Zabarnyi. This result gives Ukraine a strong advantage heading into the second leg.
Scotland 1-0 Greece
Scotland secured a narrow 1-0 win over Greece, thanks to a penalty by Scott McTominay in the first half. Greece had their chances, but their penalty appeal in the final moments was overturned by VAR. Scotland now head into the second leg with a crucial away victory.
Turkey 3-1 Hungary
Turkey put on an impressive performance, defeating Hungary 3-1 with goals from Orkun Kökçü, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and İrfan Can Kahveci. This commanding win gives Turkey a strong advantage going into the return leg.

Additional Matches and Highlights

Austria 1-1 Serbia: A competitive draw saw both teams share the points in this evenly matched contest.
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria: The Republic of Ireland claimed a significant 2-1 victory, boosting their hopes of advancing to League B.

Looking Ahead

The results from March 20, 2025, have set up an exciting conclusion to the UEFA Nations League with the return legs. With teams like the Netherlands, Germany, and Ukraine gaining momentum, the second legs will be crucial for teams hoping to turn things around. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters, tactical battles, and stunning football in the upcoming fixtures.