Spain will face Portugal in the Nations League final after overcoming France in a quite extraordinary nine-goal thriller.
A meeting between two European heavyweights and a rematch of last summer’s Euro 2024 semi-final showdown, it was La Roja, the holders of the competition and reigning European champions, who came out on top thanks to a show of ruthlessness.
Les Bleus - without three of their first-choice defenders in Jules Kounde, William Saliba and Dayot Upameacano - were always vulnerable at the back and had no answer to a rampant Spain attack.
That said, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente did make some bold calls with his team selection, but Mikel Oyarzabal justified his selection with two first-half assists.
The Real Sociedad star, who scored the winning goal against England in the Euro 2024 final, showed great hold-up play before laying the ball off for Nico Williams to rifle an effort into the back of the net.
Three minutes later, Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino swapped passes before the Arsenal midfielder produced a fine finish to double the lead.
After Unai Simon produced a series of saves to keep France, particularly Ousmane Dembele, at bay, Spain found themselves 4-0 up 10 minutes into the second half as Lamine Yamal’s penalty was swiftly followed up by Pedri’s dinked effort.
Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the spot but Yamal restored Spain’s four-goal advantage with a toe-poked effort.
That wasn’t to be the end of the scoring though as France threatened a memorable comeback after Rayan Cherki marked his debut with a stunning strike before Daniel Vivian put the ball into his own net to set up a nervy finish.
Randal Kolo Muani, after spurning a guilt-edged opportunity to bring Didier Deschamps’ side to within one goal of Spain following great work from Bradley Barcola, did get on the scoresheet but time was ultimately against the French.
On to Sunday now as Spain will face Portugal in the final whilst France meet Germany in the third place play-off.
