🇪🇸 Spain Edge France 5–4 in Nine-Goal Classic to Reach Nations League Final

Lamine Yamal delivered a sensational performance as Spain edged out France 5–4 in an unforgettable UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday. The win sets up a high-stakes final against their Iberian neighbours Portugal this Sunday.

The 17-year-old Barcelona winger scored twice, earned a penalty, and dazzled in what became the highest-scoring match in the competition’s history.

⚡ First-Half Brilliance from Spain

Spain raced into an early lead at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. Nico Williams opened the scoring with a clinical finish, followed by Mikel Merino netting a second from a clever Mikel Oyarzabal assist. Within 25 minutes, Spain were 2–0 up — a rare sight for a Didier Deschamps France side.

🌟 Yamal’s Coming-of-Age Performance

The second half saw Yamal steal the show. He coolly converted a penalty he won himself, before Pedri chipped in a delightful fourth less than a minute later. While Kylian Mbappé pulled one back with a penalty for France, Yamal calmly restored Spain’s lead with his second of the night in the 67th minute.

“I always say to my mother, I try to give it all. It’s what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings,”
— Lamine Yamal on Teledeporte

🇫🇷 France’s Late Fightback Falls Just Short

France refused to give up. A thunderous strike from Rayan Cherki, a Dani Vivian own goal, and a late finish from Randal Kolo Muani set up a tense finale. But Spain held their nerve to secure a place in their third consecutive Nations League final.

According to L’Équipe, it was the first time France had conceded five goals in a match since 1969.

📊 Historic Stats

• 🔥 First-ever Nations League match with 9 goals
• 🏆 Spain qualify for their third straight final
• 🇫🇷 France concede 5 for the first time in 55 years

Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain have lost just once in over two years — a dominant run that included their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph over England.

🔮 What’s Next?

Spain will meet Portugal in Sunday’s final, promising a thrilling Iberian showdown between two sides in top form.

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