Spain book Nations League final spot after nine-goal thriller | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal inspired Spain to a 5–4 win over France in a breathless Nations League semi-final, booking a place in Sunday’s final against neighbours Portugal.

France started the stronger side, with Theo Hernandez hitting the bar and firing over early on. But Spain struck first midway through the first half when Yamal’s low ball caused chaos in the box and Nico Williams smashed in the opener.

Three minutes later, Spain doubled their lead. Mikel Oyarzabal slipped Mikel Merino through on goal, and the midfielder coolly slotted past Mike Maignan to make it 2–0.

Spain continued to press after the break, and just nine minutes into the second half, Yamal won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Adrien Rabiot, showing composure beyond his years to make it 3–0.

It got worse for France moments later. Pedri combined beautifully with Williams in a slick one-two and finished with a classy hooked shot past Maignan to make it 4–0.

France looked down and out, but Kylian Mbappé sparked some life into the side, converting a penalty of his own after being hauled down by Pedro Porro to cut the deficit to 4–1.

Yamal wasn’t done yet. The teenager bagged his second of the night with a clinical low strike from the edge of the box to restore Spain’s four-goal cushion at 5–1.

Still, France didn’t give up. Substitute Rayan Cherki, making his international debut, pulled one back with a spectacular volley after flicking the ball up from a pass by Mbappé. That made it 5–2.

The comeback gained momentum when Dani Vivian turned the ball into his own net under pressure, and in the dying moments of added time, Randal Kolo Muani rose highest to head home a fourth for France.

However, Luis De La Fuente's side managed to survive the late onslaught and held on for a memorable win in a match that had everything.

Spain now head to Munich for Sunday’s final, where they’ll take on Portugal, who beat Germany in the other semi-final. France, meanwhile, will face hosts Germany in the third-place play-off in Stuttgart.