Video: Lamine Yamal scores a brace for Spain in epic 5-4 win over France in 2025 UEFA Nations League

The 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals delivered a showcase between Spain and France. Luis de la Fuente’s team displayed clear superiority for much of the match, but Didier Deschamps’ squad mounted a late comeback and made it a fight. Lamine Yamal scored two of the goals in Spain’s 5-4 victory.

Knowing Portugal had already secured their spot in the final following a 2-1 win over Germany on Wednesday, Spain and France took the field today at MHP Arena with the same goal in mind: to book their place in Sunday’s championship match. But from the opening whistle, it was clear one team was far better prepared to rise to the occasion.

The Spanish side asserted dominance from the start, dictating the tempo with their trademark possession-based style and relentless pressing to win the ball back quickly. In the 21st minute, that control was reflected on the scoreboard when Nico Williams opened the scoring with a powerful strike after an assist from Mikel Oyarzabal. Moments later, Oyarzabal doubled the lead after being set up by Mikel Merino.

Those two quick goals were a major blow for France, and they never recovered. Despite featuring superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, Didier Deschamps’ side couldn’t find a way to slow down their opponents.

Yamal makes his mark

The second half brought more of the same, with Spain continuing to dominate. After Adrien Rabiot fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box, the Barcelona winger stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. Later, Pedri added a fourth after a beautifully executed team move.

The gap was briefly narrowed in the 59th minute when Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot, but Spain kept their foot on the gas. Yamal added his second of the night with a slick left-footed finish after slicing into the box, capping off a stunning performance.

After regaining a four-goal lead and with only minutes remaining, the European champions appeared to ease off the pressure, allowing France to cut into the deficit. That’s how a brace from Rayan Cherki and an own goal from Daniel Vivian sealed the final score at 5-4.

What’s next for Spain?

With Thursday’s victory over France, Spain secured their place in the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Portugal now await them in Sunday’s championship match at Munich Arena—a highly anticipated showdown featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal as the marquee stars.