Spain clinched a dramatic 5-4 win against France in a pulsating UEFA Nations League semi-final at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena, securing their spot in the final.
La Roja’s attacking flair, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, proved decisive as they held off defied a late French comeback to keep their title defence alive.
The match exploded into life early, with France’s Theo Hernandez striking the crossbar and forcing a deflection off Yamal’s shot inside 12 minutes, while Spain’s Nico Williams and France’s Desire Doue tested the goalkeepers with curling efforts, said former Spain coach Luis Enrique. “It was a game of relentless attacking intent from both sides.”
Williams broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, smashing in a pass from Mikel Oyarzabal, who outmuscled Ibrahima Konaté. Three minutes later, Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino combined for a slick one-two, with Merino slotting home coolly.
Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon was pivotal, denying Doue and Kylian Mbappe with sharp saves, and palming away Ousmane Dembele’s strike. A clever Spanish free-kick routine saw Dean Huijsen’s volley disallowed for a tight offside call, as France’s defence held firm. “We were unfortunate with the offside, but the team’s focus never wavered,” said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
After the break, France struggled to contain Yamal, who won and converted a penalty in the 55th minute after Adrien Rabiot’s foul, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way.
Moments later, Pedri and Williams carved France open again, with Pedri finishing effortlessly to make it 4-0.
France’s Mbappe pulled one back from a penalty in the 65th minute after Pedro Porro’s foul, sparking hope, said France coach Didier Deschamps. “That moment gave us belief, but we left ourselves too much to do.”
Yamal restored Spain’s four-goal lead, shrugging off Clement Lenglet to poke home his side’s fifth.
France fought back late with Rayan Cherki’s stunning debut goal, followed by an own goal from Dani Vivian off Malo Gusto’s cross, and Randal Kolo Muani’s header from Cherki’s delivery. “We showed character, but Spain’s quality was too much,” Deschamps admitted.
Spain held firm to extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches across all competitions, including 12 in the Nations League, and now face Portugal in the final. France, who fell to Spain in last year’s Euro semi-final, will meet Germany in the third-place play-off.
X Update: Lamine Yamal posted on X after the match, “What a night! Proud of this team, onto the final! #LaRoja,” while Spain’s official account shared, “A classic! We fought, we scored, we won. Portugal, we’re coming! “