Yamal strikes twice to propel Spain into Nations League final amid remarkable French comeback

Spain triumphed over France in a nail-biting encounter, securing a 5-4 victory to book their spot in the UEFA Nations League final, with La Roja seeking to become the first team to successfully defend the title.

Although the match at MHPArena didn’t witness an opening goal early on, the atmosphere was electric, punctuated by a mix of awe and boos directed at Marc Cucurella, highlighting the intensity of the occasion.

The excitement was epitomised by Theo Hernandez, who had a shot sail over the bar, saw one effort blocked, and struck the crossbar, all within the first 12 minutes, while also deflecting a shot from Lamine Yamal wide.

Nico Williams and Désiré Doué both attempted curling efforts that were saved, before Williams tried a different approach, cutting inside before hitting a shot that Mike Maignan managed to parry.

However, Williams made no mistake with his third chance, as Mikel Oyarzabal held off Ibrahima Konate and laid the ball off to the winger, who rifled it past Maignan to give Spain a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal was involved again, playing a one-two with Mikel Merino that released the midfielder, who finished coolly. Unai Simon showcased his skills as he thwarted efforts from Doué and Kylian Mbappé, despite being unsighted on both occasions. The Spanish keeper later managed to push away a shot from Ousmane Dembélé.

La Roja believed they had scored a third goal just before halftime with an audacious free-kick routine, but Dean Huijsen’s volley was disallowed for a narrow offside.

After a promising start to the second half, Les Bleus found themselves in hot water once more when Adrien Rabiot fouled Yamal, conceding a penalty which the winger converted, deceiving Maignan in the process.

Shortly after, Pedri received the ball from Williams and returned it before effortlessly finishing past Maignan, extending La Roja’s lead to four.

Kylian Mbappé, however, brought hope back for France, winning a penalty from Pedro Porro and successfully converting to make it 4-1.

Doué came agonisingly close to adding a second but was outdone by Yamal once more, who held off Clément Lenglet to nudge the ball past Maignan for Spain’s fifth.

Rayan Cherki enjoyed a moment to cherish as he netted a stunning debut goal. Five minutes later, he set up Malo Gusto, whose cross inadvertently led to an own goal from Dani Vivian.

Randal Kolo Muani headed in from Cherki’s delivery, which rattled Spanish nerves, but La Roja ultimately held firm, stretching their unbeaten streak to 19 matches across all competitions and 12 in the Nations League, securing their place in the final against Portugal.

Meanwhile, Les Bleus will face Germany in a third-place playoff, having also been defeated by Spain in the UEFA European Championship semi-final last year.