Spain’s rising stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams lit up Stuttgart on Thursday night, delivering a stunning performance that led La Roja to a dramatic 5-4 win over France, securing a place in the Nations League final against Portugal.
The match, which thrilled fans with its relentless tempo and nine-goal spectacle, showcased the promise of Spain’s next generation and their ability to dismantle even the most seasoned opponents.
Yamal, only 17 years old, displayed maturity beyond his years by netting twice, while Williams added a goal and an assist in a display that overwhelmed France’s makeshift defence. Their pace, movement, and understanding were central to Spain’s dominance throughout much of the contest. Goals from Mikel Merino and Pedri complemented the young wingers’ heroics, while France struggled to contain Spain’s dynamic frontline.
Despite a spirited comeback attempt by France late in the game, Spain’s early surge proved decisive. Kylian Mbappé briefly reignited French hopes with a penalty in the second half, but by then Spain had already built a commanding 5-1 lead. France’s three late goals—from Rayan Cherki’s spectacular long-range effort, an own goal by Daniel Vivian, and a stoppage-time strike from Randal Kolo Muani—cut the deficit, but the damage had been done.
Speaking after the match, Yamal emphasized his team’s deserving performance. “It was a great game — at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well,” he said, smiling after helping Spain move into the final showdown with Portugal, set for Sunday in Munich.
Merino, one of the night’s scorers, called the encounter “a crazy game,” telling DAZN, “Not the best game for the coaches — nobody wants to concede so many goals — but an amazing game for the fans. We’re going to remember this one for a long time.”
France began with early control, looking dangerous as Ousmane Dembélé, recently crowned a Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, took charge of their attacking efforts. Dembélé created an opening for Mbappé, who surprisingly chose to pass rather than shoot when through on goal. A few moments later, a powerful drive from Theo Hernandez narrowly missed, grazing the crossbar.
But Spain responded with precision and flair. In the 22nd minute, Williams combined with Euro 2024 final hero Mikel Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders before finding space for Williams to smash home the opener. Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal turned provider again, lifting a pass into the box that Merino controlled before blasting it past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France tried to respond through Dembélé, who frequently broke into the box but failed to find a finish, firing multiple efforts directly at Unai Simon. Spain nearly had a third just before halftime through a cleverly executed free-kick routine, but the move was ruled offside.
The second half mirrored the first in its intensity and rhythm. Within ten minutes of the restart, Yamal won a penalty and calmly converted it himself, despite a brief discussion with Williams over who would take the spot-kick. Barely a minute later, Williams returned the favor, squaring for Pedri to fire in Spain’s fourth goal. The French defence, already stretched, could not cope with the onslaught.
Although Mbappé responded with a penalty of his own, it was Yamal again who delivered the blow that all but sealed the result, netting his second and Spain’s fifth with composure. From there, Spain eased off, making four substitutions and turning their attention to Sunday’s final.
This brief lapse allowed France a glimpse of hope. Substitute Cherki pulled one back with a long-range effort, and moments later, a deflection off Vivian added another. Kolo Muani scored in stoppage time to narrow the scoreline to 5-4, but France had left it too late to complete what would have been an extraordinary comeback.
Despite the nervy finish, Spain held on, confirming their place in the final and offering another glimpse of the bright future ahead under a squad brimming with youth and talent.
What you should know
Spain’s 5-4 victory over France in the Nations League semi-final was driven by teenagers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who combined for goals and assists that dismantled the French defence.
Although France mounted a late surge, Spain’s early dominance proved enough to secure a spot in the final against Portugal, promising an all-Iberian showdown in Munich.
