Spain will face Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final after edging France 5–4 in a semi-final thriller in Stuttgart.
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The defending champions are aiming to secure back-to-back Nations League titles after a high-scoring clash that saw nine goals.
Spain opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Lamine Yamal set up Mikel Oyarzabal, who found Nico Williams. The winger fired into the roof of the net.
Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino made it 2–0. The Arsenal midfielder ran into the box unmarked and calmly slotted the ball past the French goalkeeper.
France had several chances, but Unai Simón kept them at bay with five first-half saves, helping Spain go into halftime with a two-goal lead.
Early in the second half, Adrien Rabiot fouled Yamal in the box. The 17-year-old converted the penalty to make it 3–0. One minute later, Pedri chipped in Spain’s fourth after a setup from Williams.
Kylian Mbappé pulled one back for France from the spot before Yamal scored again in the 67th minute, securing a brace and restoring Spain’s cushion.
France rallied late. Rayan Cherki volleyed home his first senior international goal, and a Dani Vivian own goal made it 5–3. In stoppage time, Cherki assisted Randal Kolo Muani for France’s fourth.
Despite the late surge, Spain held on. The win marks the first time they’ve conceded five goals since the 1960s, but it was enough to reach the final.
Yamal, who now has 48 goal contributions in 57 games this season, was named Man of the Match. He remains a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Spain now prepares to face Portugal in the final, looking to defend their crown and confirm their dominance on the international stage.
