Spain’s young prodigy Lamine Yamal played a pivotal role as his team secured a thrilling 5-4 victory against France on Thursday, booking their spot in a third consecutive Nations League final against their Iberian rivals, Portugal.
The European champions showed their class early on at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, racing to a 2-0 advantage within the first 25 minutes thanks to superb strikes from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.
Just nine minutes into the second half, 17-year-old Yamal confidently converted a penalty to extend Spain’s lead to three. His Barcelona teammate Pedri then added a magnificent fourth goal shortly after, thrilling the home crowd.
The semifinal was touted as a showdown of young talents and potential Ballon d’Or winners, but the recent Champions League triumph for Paris Saint-Germain seemed to weigh heavily on the French squad. PSG stars Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, however, failed to make a significant impact.
The goals kept coming as France’s Kylian Mbappé found the net from the penalty spot around the 60-minute mark. But Yamal responded swiftly, scoring his second penalty for Spain in the 67th minute, capping an electrifying individual display.
France fought back fiercely, with goals from Rayan Cherki, an own goal by Dani Vivian, and a late finish by Randal Kolo Muani shaking Spain’s nerves. Yet, the defending champions held firm to set up a final showdown with Portugal on Sunday.
“I always tell my mother I give my all,” Yamal shared with Teledeporte. “That’s what drives me to play football and why I wake up each day. France has world-class players. The score after 60 minutes was big, but they have players who make you suffer.
“We [Spain and Portugal] both have world-class players. It’ll be the best team who wins. I hope to bring the cup home to Spain.”
Spain players celebrate after scoring a goal against France in the Nations League semifinals.
Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain have been nearly unstoppable, suffering just one defeat in over two years—a streak that powered them to last year’s European Championship title by beating England in the final.
A cornerstone of De la Fuente’s strategy is his dynamic wingers, including Nico Williams and Yamal. After an early missed chance by Mbappé and a near miss from Theo Hernández hitting the crossbar, Williams’ powerful finish gave Spain the lead.
Shortly after, a slick passing move culminated in Merino’s clinical finish, following a precise assist from Mikel Oyarzabal. This marked only the second time France had conceded two goals within the first 30 minutes under Didier Deschamps’ 13-year spell as coach.
France created opportunities but failed to capitalize, which proved costly. The young Ballon d’Or hopeful Yamal calmly converted a penalty after being fouled, giving Spain a commanding lead.
Before his second goal, Yamal — who has already made over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before turning 18 — displayed great composure to slip the ball past France’s keeper Mike Maignan following Pedri’s beautiful fourth goal and Mbappé’s penalty.
Cherki’s goal was impressive but came too late to change the outcome. Vivian’s unfortunate own goal briefly unsettled Spanish fans.
Kolo Muani’s goal made the prospect of extra time real but ultimately came too late to prevent Spain’s victory.
This exciting semifinal became the first Nations League match to witness nine goals and marked the first time France conceded five goals in a game since 1969.
“We had moments we haven’t had in a long time,” said France captain Mbappé. “But in just 10 minutes in the first half, we conceded two goals — and again in the second half.
“We weren’t consistent throughout, but we improved. Losing always brings negatives, but it’s not all bad.”