Two European giants clashed in Stuttgart tonight, with Spain emerging victorious over France in a thrilling nine-goal encounter to book their place in the2025 Nations League finalagainst Portugal.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente made several bold selection choices, but Mikel Oyarzabal fully justified his inclusion, registering two first-half assists. The Real Sociedad forward, who netted the winner in last year’s Euro 2024 final against England, held up the ball brilliantly before setting up Nico Williams, who smashed home the opener. Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal teed up Mikel Merino, and the Arsenal midfielder finished superbly to double Spain’s lead.
By the 55th minute, Spain were 4-0 ahead, with a Lamine Yamal penalty followed by a delicate dinked finish from Pedri. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the spot, but Yamal quickly restored the four-goal cushion.
France kept pushing. Rayan Cherki marked his debut with a spectacular goal, before Daniel Vivian’s own goal and Randal Kolo Muani’s late strike gave the scoreline a dramatic finish. However, it was too little, too late for the French.
Spain now move on to face Portugal in Sunday’s final, while France will meet Germany in the third-place play-off.
