Spain’s rising stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams stole the spotlight on Thursday night as La Roja defeated France 5–4 in a pulsating UEFA Nations League semi-final clash in Stuttgart, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Portugal.
Yamal, 17, netted twice and won a penalty, while Williams contributed a goal and an assist as Spain, the reigning European champions, ripped through France’s makeshift defence. Mikel Merino and Pedri also found the back of the net in what proved to be a rollercoaster contest.
Despite a late French rally that saw them score three times in the closing stages, including a stunner from Rayan Cherki, an own goal by Daniel Vivian, and a stoppage-time strike from Randal Kolo Muani, Spain held on to seal a memorable victory.
“It was a great game — at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well,” Yamal said post-match. “We deserved to win.”
Returning to Germany, where they triumphed at Euro 2024, Spain looked even more formidable, dominating large portions of the game despite France’s early pressure.
Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a slick move involving Mikel Oyarzabal and Yamal. Merino doubled the lead moments later, capitalising on a perfectly weighted pass to finish past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Although France created chances — notably through Ousmane Dembélé — they failed to capitalise, and Spain remained ruthless. After the break, Yamal won and converted a penalty, then assisted Pedri just a minute later to make it 4–0.
Kylian Mbappé briefly revived French hopes with a penalty in the 59th minute, but Yamal responded almost immediately with his second of the night to restore Spain’s four-goal cushion.
With Spain easing off and rotating key players ahead of the final, France took advantage. Cherki fired in from distance, Vivian put through his own net under pressure, and Kolo Muani made it 5–4 in stoppage time. But the comeback proved too little, too late.
“It was a crazy game,” said goalscorer Merino. “Not the best for the coaches — nobody wants to concede that many — but an amazing one for the fans. We’ll remember it for a long time.”
Spain now prepare to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in an all-Iberian final in Munich, while France will meet hosts Germany in Sunday’s third-place match.
