Spain’s Nine-Goal Nations League Semi-Final Thriller
In an astonishing UEFA Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart, Spain advanced to the 2025 final by surviving a nine-goal thriller against France. La Roja won 5–4, turning what began as a clinical blitz into the tournament’s highest-scoring match to date. Spain raced into a 4-0 lead with goals from Nico Williams (22′), Mikel Merino (25′), Lamine Yamal (53′, penalty) and Pedri (55′). Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal (17) shone brightest – he scored twice and won the battle of Ballon d’Or contenders by pacing Spain’s attack. France battled back in the second half with strikes from Kylian Mbappé (59′) and substitute Randal Kolo Muani (90+3′), but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. This 5-4 result bookends a wild night of Nations League action and sends Spain into the final on a wave of momentum.
The margin of victory belies how close the contest was. France’s comeback was almost complete – at one point the score was 5-4 and Spain’s fans were nail-biting. An official UEFA report noted Spain ultimately held off a France comeback to seal the win. In fact, UEFA’s recap highlights just how prolific Spain’s offense was: Lamine Yamal scored twice as Spain held off a France comeback in a 5-4 success. The result also made history: it was the highest-scoring match in the competition’s history. Such a barrage of goals underlines Spain’s potent attack and the defensive frailties that France exploited.
Key Performers:
Spain’s win was powered by an abundance of attacking stars. Nico Williams, the young winger, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a swift strike. Shortly afterward, Mikel Merino doubled the lead (25′) with a composed finish. After the break, Lamine Yamal won and converted a penalty (53′) to make it 3-0. Minutes later, midfield orchestrator Pedri smashed in Spain’s fourth goal (55′). On France’s side, Kylian Mbappé pulled one back (59′) to spark hope, and Randal Kolo Muani scored a dramatic late header (90+3′) to cap the nine-goal saga. UEFA’s stats confirm these goal scorers and the timeline, underscoring how Spain’s four different scorers outmaneuvered the French reply.
Tactical Insights:
Tactically, Spain under coach Luis de la Fuente played a dynamic, possession-oriented game. They deployed a fluid 4-3-3 with young fullbacks and creative midfielders, allowing quick transitions and width on the wings. Yamal and Williams stretched the French defense, while Merino and Pedri controlled the middle. Spain’s approach was high-tempo and direct – when on form they ran riot against France. Their pressing often forced France into mistakes, exemplified by the late French own-goal (84′) credited to pressure on Thiago Silva. Defensively, however, Spain showed some vulnerability: despite a strong group stage (16 points, just 4 goals conceded), they allowed four second-half goals tonight. De la Fuente’s men will take confidence from their attacking display but also know they must tighten up at the back before the UEFA Nations League final match. On the French side, Didier Deschamps fielded a side heavy on youth and speed, but they were mostly reactive until late on. Their counter-press in the second half paid off with two goals, but by then Spain had too much cushion.
Portugal Edges Germany to Set Up Iberian Final
In the other semi-final, Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 to reach the final and set up an Iberian showdown. This was Portugal’s first win over Germany since Euro 2000, breaking a long duck. Germany struck first: Florian Wirtz scored early in the second half (49′) to give the hosts a brief lead. But Portugal responded rapidly – Bruno Conceição equalized (63′) and Cristiano Ronaldo (at age 40) scored the winner (68′). The final scoreboard reads “Germany 1–2 Portugal”. Ronaldo’s impact was decisive as he hit the winner in the semi-finals to seal Portugal’s comeback.
Tactically, Portugal under Roberto Martínez also played a flexible 4-3-3 (as he has in recent campaigns). They leaned on veteran experience: Ronaldo and Joao Felix led the line, with Bruno Fernandes pulling strings in midfield. Martínez’s men showed clinical finishing – taking two of the few chances they had. Germany, fielding young talents like Wirtz and Musiala, controlled possession early but failed to convert until Wirtz finally broke through after the break. The German youth on display was noted in previews as Germany’s highly anticipated clash but they ultimately succumbed to Portugal’s counter-attacks.
Final Preview: Spain vs Portugal
With these results, the UEFA Nations League final (Sunday 8 June in Munich) will be an all-Iberian affair: Spain vs Portugal. Both nations are chasing history – Portugal (2019 winners) and Spain (2023 winners) each seek a second Nations League title, which would make them the first to win it twice. In short, this is a clash of European heavyweights.
Spain enter the final brimming with confidence. They are the UEFA Nations League holders and Euro 2024 champions, on a roll with a prolific attack. Luis de la Fuente’s young side will rely on Yamal’s flair, Williams’s speed, Pedri’s creativity and other stars like Álvaro Morata or Dani Olmo to break down Portugal’s defense. Their 5-4 semi-final explosion shows they can outgun any team, but their porous defense (conceding four goals tonight) may be a concern. Tactically, Spain will likely keep their 4-3-3, focusing on possession and pressing high up the pitch to unsettle Portugal’s build-up.
Portugal, for their part, know how to grind out results. They have veteran savvy in Cristiano Ronaldo – who has already become the first player to score in the semi-finals of every major tournament – and the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes. Martínez’s tactical versatility (he can switch between three or four at the back) means Portugal can adapt if Spain control the midfield. After beating Germany with two second-half goals, Portugal will seek to manage the tempo and strike on the break. The loss of Bruno Fernandes earlier in the semi (he was subbed out) may force line-up changes; watch for João Félix or Rafael Leão to be key if selected.
Implications:
This final is billed as the marquee UEFA Nations League final match, and it carries bragging rights as well as a trophy. Fans have been talking about a Lisbon-Madrid showdown, and some even jokingly call it Europe’s version of Argentina vs Brazil (a reference to soccer rivalries). Regardless, both teams know that form this week is hugely telling. Spain’s high-scoring semi shows they have the firepower, while Portugal’s gritty win shows resilience. Quotes from coaches emphasize respect: Martínez has praised Spain’s remarkably talented generation, while de la Fuente will be aware that Portugal’s senior stars (especially Ronaldo, playing in what could be his final international season) raise the stakes.
Looking ahead, the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday promises to be an epic showdown. If the semis are any guide, fans can expect drama and goals. Spain will aim to keep their electric attack at full throttle, while Portugal will look to neutralize that threat with experience and tactical discipline. For tournament followers and soccer fans worldwide, this is the Nations League final 2025 clash to watch. As UEFA’s bracket confirms, it’s a winner-takes-all Iberian battle.
