Spain survive French frenzy in 9-goal classic to reach UEFA Nations League Final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In what will go down as one of the most dramatic encounters in UEFA Nations League history, Spain edged France 5–4 in a semi-final thriller at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Thursday night to book a place in the final of the competition.

Despite taking a commanding 4–0 lead early in the second half, the Spaniards were forced to endure a late French resurgence that saw the match finish on a knife’s edge.

The pulsating semi-final, full of attacking flair, VAR drama, and heroic saves, now sets up Spain’s clash with Portugal again in the final.

Spain stamped their authority early, with Nico Williams opening the scoring in the 22nd minute. The young winger pounced on a loose ball after a box scramble and hammered it into the roof of the net.

Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the advantage with a composed finish into the bottom corner, following slick interplay from Mikel Oyarzabal.

France came close through Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but Unai Simón, Spain’s goalkeeper, stood tall with a string of fine saves, including a stunning reflex stop in the 45th minute.

Spain appeared to have put the tie to bed when Lamine Yamal slotted home from the penalty spot in the 54th minute following a VAR-confirmed foul by Adrien Rabiot.

Pedri made it 4–0 barely a minute later with a calm finish after a cut-back by Williams.

Controversy reared its head once again when Pedro Porro conceded a penalty after pulling an opponent’s shirt. After a second VAR review, the penalty was confirmed and converted coolly by Mbappé, reducing the deficit to 4–1.

But Spain answered immediately, with Yamal scoring his second of the night in the 67th minute off a clever assist from Porro, stretching the scoreline to 5–1.

What followed was a furious French fightback. Rayan Cherki scored a brilliant solo goal in the 79th minute, followed by a slice of misfortune for Dani Vivian, who turned the ball into his own net five minutes later.

In the dying seconds, Randal Kolo Muani latched onto a pinpoint cross from Cherki to head home France’s fourth goal, setting up a tense finale. But Spain held on as the final whistle blew to scenes of both relief and jubilation.