In a breathtaking UEFA Nations League semifinal at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, Spain edged out France in a nine-goal thriller, winning 5-4 and securing their spot in the final for the third consecutive time. The match was a pulsating showcase of youthful brilliance, tactical masterstrokes, and late drama, with Spain’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal playing a starring role.
The game kicked off with high intensity as both teams sought to assert dominance. France, featuring a star-studded lineup including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and rising talents like Rayan Cherki, started brightly. Theo Hernández tested Spain’s defense early with a couple of threatening shots, including one that rattled the crossbar. However, Spain’s defense, marshaled by Unai Simón in goal, held firm, with Simon making several critical saves in the first half, including stops against Desire Doue and Dembélé.
Spain’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, initiated by a penetrating run and cross from Lamine Yamal. The ball found Mikel Oyarzabal, who expertly held off defenders before laying it off to Nico Williams. The winger made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to give Spain the lead. Just three minutes later, Spain doubled their advantage. Merino, who spent the latter part of the season playing as a striker for Arsenal, was found in space by Oyarzabal’s precise pass and calmly slotted home from close range.
Despite France’s higher possession and more passes completed (202 to Spain’s 172 by the 37th minute), they struggled to convert chances. Spain’s counterattacks were clinical, and their defense remained resilient. The first half ended 2-0 in favor of Spain, with a disallowed goal for Dean Huijsen due to offside denying Spain a third.
The second half saw Spain continue their onslaught. Nine minutes in, Adrien Rabiot fouled Yamal inside the box, resulting in a penalty. The young Barcelona prodigy stepped up confidently and converted, making it 3-0. A minute later, Pedri added a sublime fourth, chipping the ball over France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan after a slick one-two with Williams.
France finally got on the scoreboard in the 59th minute when Mbappé converted a penalty himself, awarded after Porro pulled him down in the box. However, Spain’s response was swift. Yamal scored his second goal in the 67th minute, poking a shot past Maignan to restore a four-goal cushion. This goal marked Yamal’s fifth international goal before turning 18, underscoring his rapid rise in world football.
What seemed a comfortable lead soon turned into a nail-biting finish. France’s 21-year-old debutant Rayan Cherki electrified the crowd with a stunning volley from outside the box in the 79th minute, his first senior international goal sparking hope for a comeback. Then, in the 84th minute, a Dani Vivian own goal further reduced the deficit to 5-3, adding to Spain’s late jitters.
The drama peaked in stoppage time when Cherki delivered a perfect cross that found Randal Kolo Muani, who headed in France’s fourth goal at 90+3 minutes. France had five minutes of added time to attempt an equalizer, and despite pushing hard, they fell just short. Spain’s defense and goalkeeper Simon held firm in the dying moments to secure the win.
This thrilling encounter was historic, marking the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals and the first time France conceded five goals in a match since 1969. Spain’s victory means they will face Portugal in the final on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, where they will aim to defend their title.
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s resilience and talent but remained humble, stating, “We’re in the final four. We’re playing against a European champion. There are no favourites. Four games, four finals.” Meanwhile, France’s Didier Deschamps dismissed notions of revenge after their Euro 2024 semifinal defeat to Spain, emphasizing the fresh challenge ahead.
Player ratings reflected the standout performances: Lamine Yamal earned a remarkable 9.5/10 for his two goals and overall influence. Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal also impressed with 8.4/10 and 8.5/10 respectively. On the French side, Mbappé was the top-rated player with 8.9/10, while Cherki’s debut earned him an 8.2/10.
Spain’s path to the final was marked by dominance in their Nations League group, dropping only two points and advancing past the Netherlands in a tense quarter-final decided on penalties. France, despite their late surge in this semifinal, will now prepare for the third-place playoff against Germany.
Looking ahead, the final promises to be a captivating showdown between Spain and Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the Portuguese side after his decisive goal against Germany. The match will be broadcast live on FOX at 3 p.m. ET, offering fans another opportunity to witness top-tier European international football.
In a match packed with excitement, emerging stars, and last-minute drama, Spain’s victory was a testament to their attacking prowess and mental toughness. Yamal’s emergence as a global talent was the highlight, as he continues to cement his place among football’s brightest young stars. The Nations League final beckons, and all eyes will be on Spain and Portugal as they vie for European supremacy once again.
