In one of the most electrifying matches in UEFA Nations League history, Spain booked their place in the final after surviving a stunning second-half comeback to defeat France 5-4 in Stuttgart on Thursday night. The clash at MHPArena will be remembered for its breathtaking goals, relentless pace, and an ending that nearly defied belief.
Spain came out of the blocks with precision and purpose, taking a commanding 2-0 lead into the break. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a sharp finish after a fine delivery from Mikel Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, it was Oyarzabal again with the assist, this time setting up Mikel Merino, who powered home a header to double La Roja’s advantage.
Luis de la Fuente’s side picked up where they left off after halftime. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute following a foul in the area. Within seconds of the restart, Spain struck again—this time through Pedri, who latched onto a cutback from Williams to make it 4-0.
But just as Spain looked to be cruising to an easy win, France sparked into life. Kylian Mbappé drew one back from the spot in the 59th minute after a clumsy challenge in the box. Spain, however, responded with a fifth. Yamal added his second of the night in the 67th minute after a clever assist by Pedro Porro, restoring what seemed an unassailable four-goal lead.
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Still, France were not done. Rayan Cherki replaced a subdued Antoine Griezmann and immediately influenced the game. His 79th-minute strike, assisted by Mbappé, gave Les Bleus hope at 5-2. Then came a moment of calamity for Spain. Dani Vivian, brought on to shore up the defense, inadvertently redirected Malo Gusto’s cross into his own net in the 84th minute.
France pressed frantically, and the pressure paid off deep into stoppage time. Cherki once again turned provider, swinging in a perfectly placed cross for Randal Kolo Muani, who headed in France’s fourth goal in the 90+4th minute. The Spanish defense, rattled and fatigued, clung to their narrow lead in the dying seconds.
Despite France’s late heroics, Spain held on to seal a spot in the final against Portugal on June 8th, setting up a mouth-watering all-Iberian showdown. The result sees Spain looking to lift their first Nations League title, having lost the final in 2021 to France.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, a showcase of attacking brilliance, youthful energy, and relentless spirit from both sides. Lamine Yamal, only 17, shone brightly for Spain, while Mbappé and Cherki nearly pulled off a miraculous rescue act for France.
It was also a night of redemption and resilience. Gavi made his return to the national side following a serious injury in 2023, receiving a warm welcome as he replaced Merino late on. Meanwhile, Spain’s Unai Simón made a crucial late catch from a French free-kick, extinguishing any final hopes of an equalizer.
For the neutrals, this semi-final was a gift. For Spain, it was a test of nerve. And for France, it was a reminder that even their star-studded squad can fall short when the clock runs out—despite fighting until the very last whistle.
