In an exhilarating UEFA Nations League (UNL) semi-final, Spain overcame a late French comeback to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory, earning their spot in the final. La Roja will now aim to become the first nation to retain the coveted trophy.
Despite a 10-minute delay to kick-off due to a storm, the MHPArena witnessed an immediate display of attacking intent from both sides. France’s Theo Hernandez was particularly lively in the opening minutes, hitting a shot over, having an effort blocked, and striking the crossbar, while also deflecting a Lamine Yamal shot wide.
Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Nico Williams, after a clever hold-up play by Mikel Oyarzabal, smashed the ball past Mike Maignan. Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal turned provider again, playing a one-two with Mikel Merino, who calmly finished to double Spain’s lead. France attempted to respond, with Unai Simon making crucial saves from Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé, as well as parrying Ousmane Dembele’s strike. Spain thought they had a third before the break from an inventive free-kick, but Dean Huijsen’s volley was ruled out for a marginal offside.
The second half started promisingly for Les Bleus, but their hopes were quickly dashed. Adrien Rabiot conceded a penalty, which Lamine Yamal coolly converted, sending Maignan the wrong way in the 53rd minute. Almost immediately after, Pedri linked up with Williams and effortlessly beat Maignan to stretch La Roja’s advantage to four goals.
Staring at humiliation, France found a lifeline when Mbappé won and converted a penalty against Pedro Porro. However, Yamal continued to torment the French defense, holding off Clement Lenglet to poke home Spain’s fifth goal of the night.
France launched a valiant late comeback. Debutant Rayan Cherki scored a memorable goal with an unstoppable strike from range in the 79th minute. Five minutes later, he set up Malo Gusto for a cross that Dani Vivian inadvertently diverted into his own net. Randal Kolo Muani then headed home from another Cherki cross, setting off Spanish nerves. However, La Roja held firm, extending their impressive unbeaten run to 19 matches across all competitions and 12 in the Nations League.
Spain will now face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Munich. France, meanwhile, will play Germany in the third-place play-off, in a repeat of last year’s UEFA European Championship semi-final which Spain also won.
