In one of the most extraordinary matches in UEFA Under-19 Championship history, Spain triumphed 6-5 over Germany after extra time in a semi-final that saw three stoppage-time goals and five more in extra time.
Played at the Stadionul Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest, the drama was unrelenting. Pablo García was the hero of the night, netting four goals—including two in stoppage time and the dramatic winner in the dying moments of extra time—to guide Spain to a jaw-dropping victory and a place in Thursday’s final against either hosts Romania or the Netherlands.
The match began with Germany asserting early dominance. Max Moerstedt, Hoffenheim’s rising star, opened the scoring in the 28th minute, converting a cross from Said El Mala. Germany maintained that 1-0 lead into the break, looking composed and defensively sound.
But after halftime, the match exploded into life. Real Betis’ Pablo García drew Spain level in the 61st minute with a tidy finish. The Spaniards pushed forward with renewed confidence, but were stunned when Said El Mala latched onto a pass from Paul Brunner to restore Germany’s lead in the 78th minute.
What followed was sheer chaos.
In stoppage time, García scored twice—first in the 91st minute from an Izan Merino assist, and again in the 95th, tapping in from Quim Junyent’s cross—sending Spanish players and fans into wild celebrations, believing the match was won at 3-2.
But Germany had one last twist. Deep into added time, a hopeful long ball sailed over the Spanish keeper, and under pressure, defender Andrés Cuenca attempted a clearance—only to send the ball into his own net. The 99th-minute own goal levelled the tie 3-3, dragging the match into extra time.
Spain struck first in the added period. Tomás Marqués pounced on a loose ball in the box in the 97th minute, giving La Roja a 4-3 lead. But again, Germany responded in style. Moerstedt completed his hat-trick in the space of three minutes, scoring in the 104th and 107th minutes, with the latter assisted by Jarzinho Malanga. The Germans were now ahead 5-4, their resilience once again on display.
However, Spain refused to concede defeat. In the 113th minute, Jan Virgili finished a brilliant team move, drawing Spain level at 5-5. And just as penalties began to loom, Pablo García produced the final act. In the 119th minute, he latched onto a through ball from Virgili, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted home his fourth goal—sealing a stunning 6-5 win.
The final whistle blew with Germany stunned, and Spain ecstatic. García’s four-goal haul will go down in tournament folklore, while Germany exit the competition having scored 12 and conceded 15 across four wild matches—highlighted by a 5-5 draw with England earlier in the group stage.
Germany’s defensive vulnerabilities ultimately proved their downfall, despite Moerstedt’s clinical finishing and their spirited fightback. Their collapse from 5-1 up against England to a draw foreshadowed another night of emotional highs and lows in Bucharest.
Spain, meanwhile, showed not just technical brilliance but immense mental strength. From being a goal down in the 78th minute to winning 6-5, their determination and attacking verve have earned them a place in the final—and made this match an instant classic.
All eyes will now be on Thursday’s final as the reigning champions look to defend their crown and cap a remarkable journey with European glory.
