Yamal, Williams shine as Spain edge France 5-4 in Nations League classic

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were the standout stars as Spain defeated France 5–4 in a rollercoaster UEFA Nations League semi-final, setting up a high-stakes Iberian final against Portugal on Sunday in Munich.

Fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph, Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered another dazzling performance — especially their electric young wingers — to overwhelm a disorganized French defense. Yamal, just 17, netted twice and drew a penalty, while Williams scored once and assisted another in a sensational display of flair, composure, and end-product.

“It was a great game — at the end, it was a little too close, but we played very well,” said Yamal. “We deserved to win.”

Despite a late French surge, sparked by goals from Rayan Cherki, a Daniel Vivian own goal, and Randal Kolo Muani, Spain’s five-goal haul proved just enough.

First-Half Brilliance: Spain strike early

After early French pressure and near misses by Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez, Spain drew first blood in the 22nd minute. Yamal tore down the right and fed Mikel Oyarzabal, who muscled past defenders and teed up Williams for a thunderous finish.

Just three minutes later, Merino made it 2–0 after Oyarzabal lobbed a clever ball over the top. The midfielder made no mistake, smashing past Mike Maignan to give Spain a commanding advantage.

France had their moments, especially through Ousmane Dembele, but poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping by Unai Simon kept them goalless before the break. Spain thought they had a third through a set-piece routine, but a razor-thin offside call denied Dean Huijsen after Zubimendi’s brilliant cut-back.

Yamal takes control as Spain run riot

Spain's young guns struck again early in the second half. Yamal, bursting into the box, won a penalty and converted it coolly in the 54th minute — after politely taking the ball from Williams at the spot. Barely a minute later, Williams returned the favor with a smart assist to Pedri, who calmly placed Spain’s fourth.

Though Mbappe briefly gave France hope with a penalty in the 59th minute, it was quickly extinguished by Yamal. The teenager capped off his Man-of-the-Match performance by slotting in his second goal in the 68th minute to make it 5–1.

With the final seemingly locked in, Spain made four substitutions — and perhaps mentally shifted to Sunday’s clash with Portugal. That lapse allowed France to roar back.

Cherki fired a stunning long-range strike, before his pressure led to an own goal by Daniel Vivian. Then, in stoppage time, Kolo Muani tapped in a fourth for France, turning what seemed a rout into a nail-biter.

“It was a crazy game. Not the best for coaches — nobody wants to concede so many goals — but an amazing game for the fans,” said Merino, reflecting on the rollercoaster.

Spain vs Portugal Final Set

The stage is now set for a showdown between Spain and Portugal, a rematch of their tense Euro 2024 semi-final. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will be eager to deny Spain another trophy, while La Roja will look to continue their renaissance with another youthful masterclass.

France, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff against Germany in Stuttgart, hoping to end their campaign on a high after falling short of expectations.

Match Highlights:

• Goals: Yamal (2), Williams, Merino, Pedri
• Goals: Mbappe (P), Cherki, Vivian (OG), Kolo Muani
• Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal
• Next: Spain vs Portugal – Nations League Final, Sunday, Munich

SportsLigue