In one of the most thrilling matches in recent memory, Spain vs France Nations League 2025 turned out to be a nine-goal spectacle, with Spain narrowly defeating France 5-4 to book their place in the Nations League final against Portugal. The clash in Stuttgart had everything—goals, drama, comebacks, and a teenage superstar in the spotlight.
Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal stole the show, scoring twice and playing a pivotal role in Spain’s high-scoring victory. Named Player of the Match, Yamal’s brilliant display included earning a penalty and netting a composed finish from the spot, followed by a clinical low strike that looked to have sealed the game for Spain.
Yamal Makes History in Spain vs France Nations League 2025
The match started at a high pace, with France pressing early. Despite several chances, including efforts from Theo Hernandez, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon stood firm. France looked dangerous, but it was Spain who made the breakthrough.
Nico Williams opened the scoring with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net. Just minutes later, Mikel Merino found himself unmarked in the French box and doubled Spain’s lead. The Spain vs France Nations League 2025 semifinal was suddenly tilted heavily in Spain’s favor.
Then came the Lamine Yamal show. The young forward, already being talked about as a Ballon d’Or contender, earned a penalty after being fouled by Adrien Rabiot. He calmly slotted it past Mike Maignan to make it 3-0. Pedri then made it 4-0 with a composed finish after a smart assist from Williams.
France managed to pull one back through a penalty from Kylian Mbappe, awarded after Pedro Porro fouled in the box. But Spain, not content with four, responded again. Yamal scored his second of the night, a crisp low shot into the corner to make it 5-1.
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Spain vs France Nations League 2025 – Match Stats
| Spain | France | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Final Score | 4 |
| 43% | Possession | 57% |
| 16 | Shots | 24 |
| 8 | Shots on Target | 9 |
| 393 | Passes | 503 |
| 82% | Pass Accuracy | 90% |
| 17 | Fouls Committed | 14 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 4 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 4 (Unai Simón) | Saves | 4 (Mike Maignan) |
France’s Stunning Comeback Falls Just Short
With 11 minutes remaining, France began a furious comeback. On his international debut, Rayan Cherki collected a pass from Mbappe, flicked it up, and unleashed a superb volley from 20 yards to make it 5-2. The goal lifted France’s spirits, and just minutes later, Dani Vivian accidentally put the ball into his own net to bring the score to 5-3.
In the dying moments of injury time, Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Cherki to make it 5-4. The Spain vs France Nations League 2025 clash was on the edge of turning into a historic comeback, but time ran out for Les Bleus.
Spain managed to hold on, securing their spot in the Nations League 2025 Final against Portugal in Munich. Meanwhile, France will play against Germany in the third-place playoff.
A Semifinal That Redefined Nations League Drama
The Spain vs France Nations League 2025 semifinal will go down in history as one of the most entertaining matches in the competition’s history. Nine goals, world-class talent on display, and a teenager making headlines—this match had it all.
Spain, with rising stars like Yamal, Williams, and Pedri, have made a strong statement ahead of the final. If their attack continues to perform like this, they’ll be favorites against Portugal on Sunday.
France, despite the loss, showed great spirit and showcased the potential of players like Cherki, who could be key figures in their future campaigns.