The UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final between France and Spain delivered an unforgettable spectacle, with Spain emerging victorious in a thrilling 5-4 encounter at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The match, the highest-scoring in the competition’s history, showcased attacking brilliance, defensive lapses, and a dramatic late surge from France that nearly overturned the result but ultimately fell short.
Spain, the reigning European champions, took control early on, racing to a commanding 4-0 lead within the first hour. The teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was the star of the night, scoring twice and playing a pivotal role in Spain’s offensive dominance. The scoring opened in the 22nd minute when Nico Williams, another young talent, hammered in a close-range finish following a clever assist from Mikel Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the lead with a precise low shot after a well-timed pass from Oyarzabal.
The second half saw Spain continue their onslaught. Yamal won a penalty after being fouled by Adrien Rabiot and calmly converted it in the 54th minute to make it 3-0. Barely a minute later, Pedri, another Barcelona star, chipped a sublime fourth goal, leaving France stunned. Yamal then added his second goal in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who failed to keep Yamal’s shot out despite getting a touch.
Despite the daunting 5-1 deficit, France refused to capitulate. Kylian Mbappé pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 59th minute, sparking hope for a comeback. The young debutant Rayan Cherki then electrified the crowd with a spectacular volley from outside the box in the 79th minute, followed by an own goal from Spain’s Dani Vivian five minutes later, narrowing the gap to 5-4. In stoppage time, Cherki delivered a pinpoint cross that found Randal Kolo Muani, who headed home to bring France within one goal of an improbable equalizer.
However, time ran out on France’s remarkable rally. Spain’s defense held firm in the dying moments, securing a hard-fought victory and booking their place in the Nations League final against Portugal on June 9 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The match was a tale of contrasting fortunes. Spain’s clinical finishing and youthful exuberance overwhelmed France early on, but defensive frailties and lapses allowed the French side to mount a late charge. France’s coach Didier Deschamps will likely reflect on the defensive shortcomings that nearly cost his team a place in the final, but the fighting spirit shown by his squad in the final quarter offers some consolation.
For Spain, the win marks their third consecutive Nations League final appearance, underlining their status as one of Europe’s most exciting and talented teams. The emergence of young stars like Yamal, Williams, and Cherki highlights a promising future for La Roja, combining youthful energy with tactical maturity under coach Luis de la Fuente.
In conclusion, the France vs Spain semi-final was a pulsating encounter filled with drama, skill, and emotions. Spain’s 5-4 victory after a nine-goal thriller not only secured their spot in the final but also provided football fans with one of the most memorable matches in recent international tournament history. The stage is now set for a highly anticipated final showdown between Spain and Portugal, promising more excitement in the UEFA Nations League 2025.