In the Mestalla, we play for you

If there is one thing we have unfortunately had to learn from the people of Valencia as a result of the floods in recent months, it’s their resilience, perseverance, determination not to give up, their eagerness to fight, and their community spirit. The time has come for Spanish football to help Valencians regain hope and help them forget, if only for a moment, the tragedy they faced during the tragic floods. For now, the first step has once again been taken by the people of Valencia, who have snapped up all the tickets at the Mestalla to support the national team in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands. But the national team wants to make history at the home of Valencia CF and continue their defence of their Nations League title. And they want to do it under the slogan 'We play for you', the phrase printed on the charity t-shirts that have gone on sale in the lead up to the match in order to help rebuild what was lost during the environmental disaster.

Spain vs Netherlands, Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 20:45 on La 1 (TVE)

In the words of the national team coach: "We are sure that tomorrow, with the stadium full, the atmosphere will be one for the history books." Luis de la Fuente, who played his first top-flight match at Mestalla, has confidence in the Valencian fans, although he warned of the challenge of facing the Netherlands. As he did before the first leg at De Kuip, the Spanish coach emphasised the difficulty of the Dutch team due to their youth, physical strength, and quality. Ferran Torres, the Valencia-born forward, who is eager to play his first match for Spain at his former home ground, also mentioned the importance of winning for Valencia and its people: "It’s very important to come here and play this match, given everything the people of Valencia have been through. Hopefully, we can bring them some joy and help them forget about everything a little bit through our football."

The Spanish national team returns to Mestalla six years after their last match there, which took place in 2019 against Norway, with a 2-1 victory.

Check out the squad numbers for the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals

This time, it’s about beating the Netherlands. There is no other option if they want to stay alive in a competition in which Spain are the reigning champions. The stage is set, and the national team knows what it means to make history.