Lamine Yamal delivered another show-stopping performance as Spain edged France 5-4 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday night to book their place in Sunday’s final.
The nine-goal spectacle in Stuttgart saw La Roja weather a late French resurgence to keep their title defence alive.
The 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy, who is of Equatorial Guinean and Moroccan descent, played a decisive role once again, scoring twice and winning a penalty in a game marked by high-octane attacking play and moments of individual brilliance.
His composure and flair under pressure proved vital as Spain resisted a late French rally to extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 12 matches.
Spain opened the scoring midway through the first half when Nico Williams smashed home a Mikel Oyarzabal assist.
Three minutes later, Oyarzabal turned provider again, linking up with Mikel Merino, who slotted in Spain’s second.
France responded with chances from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón stood firm.
Yamal then took centre stage early in the second half, converting from the spot after being fouled by Adrien Rabiot. Moments later, Pedri combined with Williams before beating Mike Maignan to make it 4-0.
Mbappé pulled one back for France with a penalty of his own, but Yamal struck again—this time muscling past Clément Lenglet and sliding the ball beyond Maignan to restore Spain’s four-goal cushion.
France mounted a late surge, sparked by Rayan Cherki’s thunderous debut goal. Cherki then set up Malo Gusto, whose cross was turned in by Dani Vivian for an own goal.
Randal Kolo Muani headed in a third French goal with minutes remaining, but it proved too late as Spain held on.
Spain now advance to face Portugal in Sunday’s final, while France will meet Germany in the third-place play-off.
