Spain clinched a spot in the UEFA Nations League final after a breathtaking 5-4 win over France, surviving a dramatic late comeback in Stuttgart.
Led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Spain dazzled early before weathering a fierce French rally to book a June 8 showdown with Portugal.
Spain booked their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a nail-biting 5-4 win over France on Thursday night in Stuttgart, surviving a dramatic late rally in what is already being hailed as one of the most exhilarating matches in the competition’s history.
For much of the night, it seemed like a one-sided affair. Spain raced into a 4-0 lead, showcasing elegant attacking football and clinical finishing. But the final 15 minutes produced a whirlwind of French goals, nearly dragging the tie to extra time and leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
First-half masterclass
The Spanish onslaught began early. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, swiftly followed by a Mikel Merino header just two minutes later. It was all Spain in the first half, with Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen seeing a spectacular goal chalked off due to offside in the build-up.
Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, then took centre stage. After calmly converting a penalty in the 54th minute to make it 3-0, his teammate Pedri added a fourth barely 60 seconds later with a composed finish.
France’s fightback begins
France pulled one back in the 59th minute through a Kylian Mbappé penalty, but Spain responded swiftly with Yamal’s second goal of the night in the 67th minute. His curling effort beat Chelsea-linked goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was unable to keep out the shot despite getting a touch.
At 5-1, many thought the contest was over. But Rayan Cherki, making his senior France debut and linked with a move to Manchester City, had other plans. The 21-year-old thundered in a volley from a distance in the 79th minute before a Dani Vivian own goal cut the score to 5-3.
Last-minute thriller
With just seconds left on the clock, Cherki delivered a pinpoint cross to substitute Randal Kolo Muani, who nodded home in the 93rd minute to make it 5-4. Despite France’s late heroics, Spain held on through the final whistle to secure a dramatic victory.
A final showdown awaits
Spain now heads to Munich, where they will meet Portugal in the final on Sunday, June 8. The Portuguese side booked their spot after a 2-1 comeback win over Germany, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivering a decisive goal.
As Spain looks to defend their Nations League crown, the spotlight will remain on Lamine Yamal. With four goals in two games against France across two tournaments, the teenager continues to shine as one of the brightest stars in world football.
