History made in Stuttgart shootout
A 17-year-old kid from Barcelona just upstaged Kylian Mbappé on soccer’s biggest stage, leading Spain to a breathtaking 5-4 victory over France that will be remembered as one of the greatest Nations League thriller matches ever played.
Lamine Yamal scored twice and commanded the field like a seasoned veteran, inspiring Spain to their third consecutive Nations League final appearance. The teenage sensation’s performance overshadowed even Mbappé’s efforts as the European champions set up an Iberian showdown with Portugal on Sunday.
The match at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena produced the first nine-goal game in Nations League history and marked the first time France had conceded five goals since 1969. What started as Spanish dominance turned into an edge-of-your-seat Nations League thriller that showcased why international soccer remains unmatched for pure drama.
Spain’s explosive first-half blitz
The tone was set early when Mbappé squandered a golden opportunity that should have put France ahead. Instead, Spain seized control through the electric pace and precision that has made them nearly unbeatable under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Nico Williams broke the deadlock with an emphatic finish that announced Spain’s intentions, capitalizing on France’s early wastefulness. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the advantage with a clinical strike after being perfectly positioned by Mikel Oyarzabal’s pinpoint pass.
The quick-fire double represented only the second time in Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure that France had conceded twice in the opening half-hour, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that would haunt them throughout this Nations League thriller.
French legs heavy after Champions League triumph. Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory in Munich clearly took its toll on French players, with PSG stars Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé particularly disappointing against Spain’s relentless tempo.
Yamal announces himself to the world
If anyone doubted whether a 17-year-old belonged on this stage, Yamal provided a definitive answer nine minutes into the second half. Awarded a penalty after being fouled, the Barcelona prodigy stepped up with ice-cold composure to extend Spain’s lead.
“I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte after the match. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.”
Barely a minute after Pedri had added a sublime fourth goal, Yamal struck again in the 67th minute, poking the ball past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan with the confidence of a player who has already made over 100 appearances for Barcelona before turning 18.
Ballon d’Or credentials on full display. While Mbappé managed only a penalty conversion, Yamal’s complete performance in this Nations League thriller strengthened his case as a genuine contender for soccer’s highest individual honor despite his age.
The teenager’s mature display demonstrated why Barcelona trusted him with such responsibility and why Spain’s future looks incredibly bright with him leading the next generation.
France’s furious but futile comeback
Just when the match seemed decided, France unleashed one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent international soccer history. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki announced himself with a stunning strike that deserved to change the game’s trajectory.
An unfortunate own goal by Spain’s Dani Vivian suddenly made the scoreline uncomfortably close for Spanish supporters, while substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s finish brought France within one goal and made extra time seem possible.
“We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” admitted French captain Mbappé. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals—and the same thing happened in the second half.”
Too little, too late for Les Bleus. Despite their spirited rally, France’s early defensive lapses proved too costly to overcome in this Nations League thriller. Their inability to maintain consistency throughout 90 minutes ultimately cost them a place in Sunday’s final.
Iberian derby awaits in Nations League final
Spain’s victory sets up a mouth-watering final against neighboring Portugal, pitting two of Europe’s most talented squads against each other for continental bragging rights. Both teams boast world-class players capable of producing magical moments when stakes are highest.
“We are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain,” Yamal said, displaying remarkable maturity for someone who won’t turn 18 until next month.
The final promises another showcase for emerging talents like Yamal alongside established stars seeking to add another major trophy to their collections. Spain’s near-perfect record under De la Fuente—losing just once in over two years—makes them slight favorites, but Portugal’s quality ensures nothing will be decided easily.
Historic match sets stage for epic finale. This Nations League thriller proved that international soccer can still produce unforgettable moments when young stars meet veteran champions on Europe’s grandest stages.
