Ake claims a brace as the Netherlands overpower Gibraltar | OneFootball

City defender Nathan Ake claimed a second half brace to help the Netherlands record the first win of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign as they beat Gibraltar 3-0 in Rotterdam.

Having lost 4-0 away to France in their opening Group B encounter, the Dutch immediately bounced back to winning ways in front of their home fans.

And Ake, who is enjoying the best season of his City career to date, was at the centre of much of their best work, finding the target twice after the break and coming close to more goals.

A reassuring, commanding presence at the back, Ake illustrated his attacking prowess with a fine 50th minute goal when he swooped to head home Denzel Dumfries’ inviting centre.

That followed on from a first half opener for the Dutch when Memphis Depay fired Ronald Koeman’s side ahead, heading in another accurate Dumfries assist.

A tough night for the Gibraltarians got even more daunting on 51 minutes when Liam Walker was shown a straight red card.

Ake then came close to further extending his tally and the Dutch advantage with three more second half opportunities.

He wasn’t to be denied however and his fine display was further rewarded with his second and the Netherlands’ third goal eight minutes from time as he powered in a fine left footed shot after latching onto Daley Blind’s sublime pass.

Ake’s brace rounded off what was a satisfactory night’s work for the 1988 European champions as they got their campaign to reach next year’s showpiece in Germany up and running.