📸Spain edge France 5-4 in thriller: Yamal sensational😍 | OneFootball

Spain surpasses France at the end of a spectacular and thrilling 5-4 match and flies to the Nations League final, where they will face Portugal.

The French side's efforts were not enough, despite a goal from Kolo Muani and an incredible debut performance from Cherki, as well as a goal from Mbappé, to reach the final: Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and their teammates will face Germany in the third-place playoff.

After a lively start from both sides, the first half ended with Spain ahead 2-0 thanks to goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.

The French came close to scoring on several occasions, but between inaccuracies and decisive interventions by Unai Simon, they were unable to capitalize.

France nearly took the lead in the 12th minute, when Theo Hernandez hit the crossbar with a beautiful left-footed shot from outside the box.

But it was Spain who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute: a great team move finished by Oyarzabal and capped off by Nico Williams with a precise left-footed shot.

Three minutes later, Oyarzabal again provided a perfect assist for Mikel Merino, who beat Maignan to make it 2-0.

The French tried to react, but Unai Simon saved from Mbappé, and a wonderful goal by Huijsen in the 44th minute was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.

At the start of the second half, Spain pulled away: a perfect counterattack and a late challenge by Rabiot, who completely mistimed his tackle in the penalty area and fouled Yamal, conceding a penalty and earning a yellow card.

After a check, VAR confirmed referee Oliver's decision.

The Barcelona starlet himself stepped up to the spot, sent Maignan the wrong way, and scored the third goal.

Shortly after, the Roja made it four with Pedri, who timed his run perfectly and beat the France and Milan goalkeeper with a delightful left-footed finish.

A night to forget for France, who hadn't trailed by 3 or more goals in almost 10 years: the last time was June 7, 2015, against Belgium (0-3, then 1-4, 3-4 in the end).

Kylian Mbappé reopened the game, winning a penalty and then converting it.

But shortly after, the unstoppable Lamine Yamal put Spain back on the scoresheet.

A delicate touch from Pedro Porro for the Barcelona and Roja starlet, who outsmarted Maignan and made it 5-1, completing his brace.

Another negative record for France, who conceded more than 5 goals for the first time since March 12, 1969, against England (0-5).

The Stuttgart stadium turned into a sea of red, with Spanish fans chanting 'olé' during De La Fuente's team's possession, highlighting the magical night and their triumph.

A historic night for Spain, who scored at least 3 goals against France for the first time in an official competition: tonight, they scored 4 goals against the French for the first time since June 1949 in a friendly in Paris (5-1).

Cherki, Manchester City’s future signing, marked his debut with a wonderful goal.

The Frenchman's volley was fantastic and found the corner to make it 5-2.

France did not give up and closed the gap again, bringing the deficit to two goals in the 83rd minute.

This time it was the newly introduced Vivian who unfortunately directed the ball into his own net from Malo Gusto’s dangerous cross, after a brilliant pass from Cherki.

The ending became tense after Kolo Muani made it 5-4. The Juventus striker latched onto another delightful ball from Cherki, who was decisive after coming on, and scored the fourth goal.

The French came back from 5-1 to within one goal, but it wasn't enough: Spain advances to the final against Portugal, while France will face Germany in the third-place match.

The clash between Spain and France ended with 9 goals, setting a new record: with nine goals, it is the highest-scoring match in Nations League history.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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