Netherlands edge Serbia to reclaim Nations League top spot under Xavi Hernandez

The Netherlands returned to winning ways in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Serbia in a closely contested fourth-round fixture.

Teun Koopmeiners put the Netherlands ahead in the 31st minute, but Serbia responded four minutes later through Mihajlo Svetkovic to level the match.

Joshua Zirkzee restored the Dutch advantage in the 72nd minute, securing a second win in the competition for Xavi Hernandez’s side.

The result takes the Netherlands to eight points from four matches, with two wins and two draws, leaving them at the top of the group. Serbia remain bottom without a point after suffering four defeats.

The match was Xavi Hernandez’s first official fixture with the Netherlands during the current international break. The Spanish coach formally took charge of the national team in August.

The Netherlands began their Nations League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Germany before winning 2-1 away to Serbia. They then drew 2-2 with Greece in the third round.

Their latest victory restored momentum and strengthened their position at the summit, while Serbia’s fourth consecutive defeat left them with no points from the opening four matches.