Spain secured their place in the Nations League final after a breathtaking 5-4 victory over France in a semi-final clash on June 5, 2025, that will be remembered as a classic. The match was an extraordinary display of attacking football, contrasted with moments of defensive chaos, and featured a remarkable late comeback attempt by the French side that ultimately fell short. Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish team, irresistible for large portions of the game, now advances to face Portugal in Sunday’s final, continuing their quest for a third consecutive UEFA tournament success after victories in the last Nations League and Euro 2024.

Spain asserted their dominance early, carving open the French defense on numerous occasions, particularly through the dynamic Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The scoring opened in the 22nd minute when Nico Williams found the roof of the net following intelligent build-up play involving Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, Spain doubled their advantage. Oyarzabal turned provider, setting up Mikel Merino for a clinical low finish, leaving France stunned and struggling to respond before halftime.

The Spanish onslaught continued after the restart. The 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, playing with composure beyond his years, converted a penalty after being brought down by Adrien Rabiot, making it 3-0. Pedri soon added a fourth goal with a delicate finish from a sublime through ball by Williams. Yamal then scored his second of the night, Spain's fifth, with a neat finish following a clever pass from Pedro Porro, seemingly putting the game beyond France's reach as Spain led 5-0.

France, however, began to show signs of life when Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty just before the hour mark, making the score 5-1. By the 67th minute, this scoreline held, but few anticipated the dramatic turn of events that would follow. Despite the significant deficit and with only about 30 minutes remaining, France mounted an incredible fightback.

The introduction of Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki proved to be a catalyst for Les Bleus. Cherki, a debutant, unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to reduce the arrears to 5-2. His impact continued as, in the 84th minute, one of his dangerous crosses was turned into the Spanish net by defender Daniel Vivian for an own goal, bringing France closer at 5-3. The momentum had clearly shifted, and in the 93rd minute, Cherki delivered another pinpoint cross for Randal Kolo Muani to head home, making it a nail-biting 5-4.

Several players delivered standout performances in this memorable encounter. Lamine Yamal, who turns 18 later in the summer, not only scored twice for Spain, taking his international tally to six goals (to add to 25 for Barcelona), but also cemented his credentials as a Ballon d’Or contender, outshining some of France's heralded stars. Nico Williams was also instrumental with a goal and an assist. For France, Rayan Cherki’s explosive cameo off the bench highlighted his immense talent, sparking the near-comeback and reportedly attracting interest from major clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City.

The statistics of the game – a total of 40 shots, with 17 on target, resulting in nine goals – underscored its open and attacking nature. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino described it as a "crazy game," admitting it was "not the best game for the coaches – nobody wants to concede so many goals – but an amazing game for the fans." Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, offered a different perspective, stating, "I’m happy. I enjoy suffering! I don’t understand sport without suffering. When two great teams face off like today, it’s normal every team makes the most of their moments." Spain is considered a favorite for the World Cup next summer, with France also highly rated.

Despite the frantic final few minutes and France's valiant efforts, Spain managed to hold on to their narrow lead, weathering the late storm to confirm their place in the final. The victory further underlined their credentials as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking forces. For France and coach Didier Deschamps, it will be a night of painful reflection on their defensive frailties, although the spirited fightback in the latter stages of the match will offer some consolation.