A late fightback from France was not enough as Spain held on to win 5-4 and reach the final of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League on Thursday night in Germany.
It looked like Spain were running away with the victory as they led 4-0 and 5-1 at some point in the encounter.
But the French rallied back to reduce the deficit but could not find the equaliser to drag the game to extra-time.
Barcelona star forward Lamine Yamal was once again on the score sheet against France, just as he did at the 2024 Euros, bagging a brace in Thursday’s tie.
Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Mikel Merino doubled the lead just two minutes later.
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In the 54th minute Yamal scored from the penalty spot to put his side 3-0 ahead and just one minute later Pedri added the fourth goal.
France pulled a goal back thanks to Kylian Mbappe who netted a 59th minute penalty.
Spain continued to go in search of more goals and were rewarded on 67 minutes as Yamal got his second and Spain’s fifth to make it 5-1.
With 11 minutes left substitute Rayan Cherki got on the score sheet to bring the scoreline to 5-2 while an own goal by Dani Vivian made it 5-3.
In the 93rd minute another substitute Randal Kolo-Muani made it 5-4 but Spain held on to emerge winners.
Spain would hope to defend the UEFA Nations League title when they face winners of the maiden edition (2018/2019) of the competition, Portugal, in the final on Sunday, June 8.
The Portuguese reached the final after coming from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo netting the winning goal.
