Spain defeats France to reach Nations League final

A wildly entertaining showdown in Stuttgart saw Spain defeat France 5-4 in a Nations League semi-final that delivered everything a football fan could ask for — breathtaking technical quality, goals from emerging stars like Rayan Cherki and established names like Lamine Yamal, tactical intensity, and the kind of drama only top-tier international football can provide.

Didier Deschamps’ side surrendered possession for much of the first half, allowing Spain to dictate the rhythm. Although France threatened with a few rapid, vertical attacks, Yamal’s clever movement drew extra marking, creating space for Spain to dominate in the final third.

Spain’s first breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Nico Williams latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Oyarzabal and slotted it home. The French were visibly rattled, and just minutes later, Mikel Merino capitalized on a poor clearance from goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make it 2-0.

Rather than a cagey response, France came out swinging in the second half with efforts from Kalulu and Theo Hernández. But their failure to convert chances proved costly. Spain extended their lead to 3-0 with a calm penalty from Yamal, and soon after, Pedri combined with Nico Williams to create a fourth — a sensational strike from the young winger.

But the game was far from over.

Kylian Mbappé drew a penalty with a dazzling solo run and converted it to bring France to 4-1. Spain hit back instantly through Yamal, who beat his marker and drilled a low shot into the far corner for 5-1.

At that point, the match seemed decided — but France had other plans.

Substitute Rayan Cherki injected new life into the game, scoring a brilliant solo goal to make it 5-2. Minutes later, a cross from Malo Gusto forced a Dani Vivian own goal, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Then, in stoppage time, Kolo Muani pounced on a loose ball in the box to make it 5-4.

With the game spiraling into chaos, France pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Spain held firm to secure their place in the final — a blockbuster clash against Portugal now awaits.