In one of the most electrifying matches in recent UEFA Nations League history, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal stole the spotlight with a dazzling brace as Spain outlasted France 5-4 in a semi-final showdown that had everything: goals, drama, and a near-historic comeback.
Held in Stuttgart, the game promised fireworks—and it delivered far more than that. Spain came out of the gates flying and seemed to have the match wrapped up after racing into a 5-1 lead. But a late surge from France threatened to flip the script before Spain finally held firm to book their place in the final against Portugal in Munich.
A Teenage Star Steals the Show
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, widely tipped as a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, once again showed why the football world can’t stop talking about him. After Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Mikel Merino doubled the lead just three minutes later, it was Yamal who truly turned the match on its head.
The teenager won a penalty after being brought down by Adrien Rabiot and coolly slotted home to make it 3-0. Just a minute later, Pedri added another with a clinical finish from a Williams assist. Yamal wasn’t done—he returned in the 67th minute with a composed low finish to extend Spain’s lead to 5-1.
France’s Late Surge Falls Short
It looked like a rout, but France had other plans. Kylian Mbappé pulled one back with a penalty in the 59th minute after Pedro Porro’s foul. Then came the moment of brilliance from debutant Rayan Cherki, who volleyed home an outrageous goal from 20 yards in the 79th minute.
Spain’s nerves began to show. Dani Vivian accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 84th minute, and Randal Kolo Muani’s injury-time header from a Cherki cross made it 5-4. France had just minutes to find an equalizer but ultimately ran out of time.
What’s Next?
Spain now march into Sunday’s final in Munich to face Portugal in what promises to be another epic clash. France, meanwhile, will battle Germany in the third-place play-off, also in Stuttgart.
Final Score:
Spain 5 – 4 France
Half-Time: Spain 2 – 0 France
Spain Scorers:
- Nico Williams (22’)
- Mikel Merino (25’)
- Lamine Yamal (54’ pen, 67’)
- Pedri (55’)
France Scorers:
- Kylian Mbappé (59’ pen)
- Rayan Cherki (79’)
- Dani Vivian (84’ OG)
- Randal Kolo Muani (90+3’)
Key Assists:
- Spain: Mikel Oyarzabal (2), Nico Williams, Pedro Porro
- France: Kylian Mbappé, Rayan Cherki
Final Word
This semi-final was more than just a football match—it was a statement. Lamine Yamal’s rise continues to dazzle, while Spain have firmly re-established themselves as one of Europe’s most exciting teams. If this is what we can expect from the next generation, the future of football looks breathtaking.
