In a nine-goal classic that will be remembered for years, Spain outlasted France 5-4 in a spectacular UEFA Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart, booking their place in the final against Portugal.
The match had everything — flashes of genius from emerging stars, veteran brilliance, and a breathtaking rollercoaster of goals that delivered elite-level drama from start to finish.
First-Half Dominance
Didier Deschamps’ France sat deep early on, allowing Spain to dictate tempo and control possession. While Les Bleus attempted to catch their opponents on the break, Spain’s technical superiority shone through.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Nico Williams calmly finished from a slick Oyarzabal assist. Moments later, Mikel Merino punished a Maignan error with a precise finish to double the lead.
Yamal’s Coming-of-Age Performance
France pushed back in the second half, with Kalulu and Theo Hernández testing Spain’s backline, but they couldn’t find the net. Instead, Lamine Yamal, who was closely marked all night, drew and converted a penalty to make it 3-0.
The 16-year-old then played a key role in Spain’s fourth, linking with Pedri in a fluid move that ended with Nico Williams scoring his second.
French Fightback Falls Just Short
Down 4-0, Kylian Mbappé sparked life into France with a converted penalty after a dazzling solo run. But Spain answered immediately — Yamal rifled home his second to make it 5-1.
What followed was a frenetic finish.
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Rayan Cherki, off the bench, danced through defenders to pull one back.
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A Malo Gusto cross led to a Dani Vivian own goal.
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And in stoppage time, Kolo Muani made it 5-4 with a close-range finish.
Spain survived a late French siege to preserve the lead and clinch victory in one of the wildest matches in recent international memory.
Next Up: Spain vs Portugal Final
Spain will now face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in what promises to be a blockbuster Nations League final — a showdown between two sides that have combined youth, flair, and tactical maturity.
