Spain’s rising stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams delivered dazzling performances as La Roja edged France 5–4 in a breathtaking UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday night, setting up a mouthwatering final clash with Portugal.

Yamal netted twice, while Williams added a goal and an assist, with the two wingers ripping apart France’s makeshift defence. Mikel Merino and Pedri also got on the scoresheet as the reigning European champions stormed to a 5–1 lead before France launched a late but ultimately futile comeback.

Kylian Mbappé converted a second-half penalty, while Rayan Cherki, an own goal, and a stoppage-time header from Randal Kolo Muani added late drama. However, Spain held firm to secure their place in Sunday’s all-Iberian final against Portugal in Munich. France will now face tournament hosts Germany in Stuttgart earlier that day in the third-place play-off.

“It was a great match – though it got a bit too close at the end,” said 17-year-old Yamal, who was named Player of the Match. “But we played really well and deserved to win.”

Speaking to DAZN, goal scorer Merino called it “a crazy game”.

“Not the ideal one for the coaches – no one likes to concede that many – but the fans must have loved it. This one will stay with us for a long time.”

Returning to Germany where they lifted the Euro 2024 title just a year ago, Spain looked even more complete despite switching off in the final minutes.

France manager Didier Deschamps admitted: “It’s a mixed bag. Not everything was poor – some positives to take – but I’m not going home with a smile.”

France Threaten Early, but Spain Ruthless in Response
France looked the more dangerous side in the early exchanges, with Deschamps opting to direct his attack through Ousmane Dembélé rather than Mbappé. The PSG winger, fresh off a UEFA Champions League triumph, created an early opportunity for Mbappé, who wasted it by passing instead of shooting in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Soon after, Theo Hernandez came close with a long-range strike that grazed the top of the crossbar.

But it was Spain who struck first. With 22 minutes played, Williams and Oyarzabal – the same duo who scored in the Euro 2024 final – combined again. After Yamal surged down the right, he found Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders before feeding Williams to smash the ball into the top corner.

Spain doubled their lead three minutes later. Oyarzabal lofted a delicate ball over the French backline, which Merino latched onto and rifled past a wrong-footed Mike Maignan.

France continued to create chances, particularly through Dembélé, who found space three times but failed to beat goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Just before half-time, Spain thought they had a third from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick – Yamal to Zubimendi to Huijsen – but the final pass was narrowly offside.

Second Half: Yamal Dominates, France Rally Too Late
The second half mirrored the first: France missed key chances before Spain struck again – twice in quick succession.

In the 54th minute, Yamal was brought down in the box, won the penalty, and coolly converted it himself. Barely a minute later, Williams turned provider again, setting up Pedri to make it 4–0.

Mbappé responded by winning and scoring a penalty of his own in the 59th minute, but Spain replied swiftly. Yamal completed his brace with just over 20 minutes left, restoring Spain’s four-goal cushion at 5–1.

Spain made several substitutions as they looked ahead to Sunday’s final, allowing France to claw back some pride. Cherki marked his debut with a stunning long-range strike, followed by a Daniel Vivian own goal under pressure. In the final seconds, Kolo Muani headed in France’s fourth to make it 5–4, but Spain had done enough.

Final Awaits
Spain now turn their focus to Sunday’s Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Munich, aiming to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.

France, despite their spirited late push, will have to settle for the bronze medal match against hosts Germany – and a chance to reflect on a wild night in Stuttgart that belonged, ultimately, to Spain’s fearless new generation.