In a thrilling semi-final of the UEFA Nations League 2025, Spain defeated France 5-4 in a dramatic nine-goal encounter on June 5 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. The star of the night was 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who delivered a magical performance and scored twice to lead Spain into the final, where they will face Portugal.
First Half: Spain Start with a Bang
Spain came out with high intensity and quick passing. They took the lead early thanks to Nico Williams, who slotted in after a perfect pass from Mikel Oyarzabal. Just minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the lead, making it 2-0 within the first half-hour. France struggled to cope with Spain’s pace and creativity. Their midfield looked flat and their defense shaky under pressure.
Yamal Takes Over in the Second Half
Right after the break, Spain continued their dominance. The young star Lamine Yamal confidently converted a penalty to make it 3-0. Soon after, Pedri joined the party with a composed finish, pushing Spain ahead 4-0.
Then came the moment of the night, Yamal’s second goal. A dazzling solo run and a calm finish made it 5-1, effectively crushing France’s hopes. It was a reminder of just how special this teenager is.
France’s Late Fightback
To their credit, France didn’t give up. Kylian Mbappé pulled one back with a well-taken penalty, followed by a close-range finish from Rayan Cherki to keep France in the contest. An own goal by Dani Vivian made it 5-3, and suddenly, there was tension in the Spanish camp.
In the final minutes, Randal Kolo Muani headed in France’s fourth goal, but it was too little too late. The referee blew the final whistle with the score at 5-4 in Spain’s favour.
Yamal – The Young Star of the Moment
Lamine Yamal’s performance stole the headlines. At just 17, he showed composure, skill, and maturity far beyond his age. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente said “He’s the best player in the world and, in my opinion, of course, he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.” The teenager now has the world talking, and at a very young age he is competing for the Ballon d’Or.
What’s Next: Spain vs Portugal Final
Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on June 9 at Munich’s Allianz Arena, marking the 41st edition of the Iberian Derby, a historic rivalry known for its intensity and emotion. Spain are aiming to defend their 2023 Nations League title, while Portugal are chasing their second title after winning the inaugural edition in 2019.
Final Score:
- Spain 5 – 4 France
- Spain Goals: Williams, Merino, Yamal (2), Pedri
- France Goals: Mbappé (pen), Cherki, Vivian (own goal), Kolo Muani
This semi-final wasn’t just a football match, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, a showcase of young talent, and a reminder of the beauty of the game. Spain showed brilliance, France showed heart, and Lamine Yamal showed that the future of football might already be here.
Written by kinjal Walantra
