Rotterdam, March 21 -- Arsenal's Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn Spain a draw against the Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final first leg.

Second-half substitute Merino converted from close range after Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had parried Nico Williams' low shot into his path, according to a BBC report.

Williams had earlier given Luis de la Fuente's European champions a first-half lead with a smart finish after Dutch full-back Jorrel Hato had lost possession deep inside his own half.

The Netherlands responded well and equalised before the hour mark when Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo powered home a low shot from Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert's pass.

Tijjani Reijnders low shot 39 seconds ...