Spain reach UNL final after nine goal thriller against France | OneFootball

Spain set up a Nations League final clash against Portugal after defeating France 5-4.

Scorers: Williams 22', Merino 25', Yamal 53', 67', Pedri 55'; Mbappé 59', Cherki 79', Vivian (own goal) 84', Kolo Muani 90+3'

France had the first big opportunity as Theo Hernández controlled a loose ball 20 yards out and hit the crossbar with a rising strike.

However, Spain landed the first blow mid-way through the first half when Nico Williams fired high into the net from Mikel Oyarzabal's lay-off.

La Roja struck again moments later as Mikel Merino raced onto Oyarzabal's through ball and finished past Mike Maignan.

Adrien Rabiot gave away a penalty shortly after half time, tripping Lamine Yamal inside the area, and the 17-year-old slotted the resulting spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Spain then added a fourth as Williams fed through Pedri, who chipped over Maignan and into the net.

Kylian Mbappé also earned a penalty for France following a foul from Pedro Porro and the Real Madrid attacker converted past Unai Simón.

La Roja continued to run riot and Yamal finished his second of the evening with a poked finish from Porro's lofted pass.

France had a late flurry as Rayan Cherki lashed in a fierce volley to mark his Les Bleus' debut before Dani Vivian deflected Malo Gusto's cross into his own net.

Randal Kolo Muani pulled a fourth France goal back in injury time, heading in from Cherki's pinpoint cross.

Spain were clinical throughout and notched a 15th win in 17 matches to reach their third Nations League final. France's comeback attempt came too late as Didier Deschamps' side fell to a second defeat in three.

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