Goals and Highlights: Spain vs France in UEFA Nations League (5-4)

 

In a 9-goal match in a decisive clash, Spain beats France 5-4 at the Mercedes Benz Arena and advances to the Nations League final. Before the final whistle, Kolo Muani, Gavi and Samu were cautioned with yellow cards. Thank you for following the game in real time with us on VAVEL.

In a move from the left side of the area, Cherki crosses the ball perfectly for Kolo Muani, who jumps and heads it past goalkeeper Unai Simón. France needs one more goal to make it all square.

The referee adds another five minutes of extra time to the second half. Merino then leaves the field and is replaced by Gavi in ​​the Spanish national team. The game cools down after the stoppage for substitution and Spain is securing a place in the final.

Samu Aghehowa steps into the penalty area, shoots cross-field with his left foot and goalkeeper Maignan deflects with his right foot. Spain misses a great chance to score the sixth goal for the Spanish team. The game is very competitive.

In the move from the left side of the area, Cherki crosses the ball perfectly for Mbappé, but Vivian anticipates it and ends up pushing the ball into his own net. The Spanish defender scores the third goal for the French.

During a counterattack, Lamine Yamal is fouled by Theo Hernandez and is brought down in midfield. The French left-back is cautioned with a yellow card by the match referee and is suspended for the final stretch of the match.

Rayan Cherki takes a powerful shot with his right foot from outside the area and hits the corner of goalkeeper Unai Simón's net to score the second goal for the French. France reduce the deficit and try to threaten the Spanish, who have five goals in their favor.

Oyarzabal and Le Normand leave the field and are replaced by Samu Aghehowa and Dani Vivian. Spain rest players after scoring five goals in the match and conceding one. The Spanish give the ball to the French and invest in the counterattack.

Mbappé recovers the ball in the half-moon after a mistake by the Spanish defense, turns his body and finishes with a cross with his right foot. Goalkeeper Unai Simón palms it away and concedes a corner. Dembélé then leaves the field and is replaced by Kolo Muani.

Dembélé attacks from the right side of the area, steps into the six-yard box and shoots low with his right foot. The ball hits the post and bounces back to the feet of the Spanish defenders. France turn the game around and try to reduce the score. Lenglet leaves the field and is replaced by Lucas Hernández.

Lamine Yamal is fed from the right side of the box, steps into the six-yard box and deflects the ball with his right foot into the left corner of goalkeeper Maignan's goal. Spain scores the fifth goal at the Mercedes Benz Arena and crushes the French team.

Nico Williams and Pedri leave the field and are replaced by Dani Olmo and Fabián Ruiz for Spain. Malo Gusto and Bradley Barcola replace Pierre Kalulu and Désiré Doué respectively for France.

After a good move by Dembélé through the middle, the attacking midfielder passes to Doué, who cuts to the left and finishes with a well-placed shot with his right foot. The ball goes close to Unai Simón's goal and almost hits the back of the net for the second time.

Mbappé converts a penalty kick with his left foot into the left corner and puts the ball past goalkeeper Unai Simón. France breaks through the Spanish goalkeeper's block and reduces the score inside the Mercedes Benz Arena. The French try to react!

Mbappé challenges Pedro Porro for the ball on the left side of the area, invades the area and is brought down. The referee awards a penalty and the French have the chance to reduce the score after conceding four goals at the Arena.

In the move on the left side of the area, Nico Williams receives a pass from Pedri, who is wide on the wing, and passes it back to the midfielder, who finishes with his left foot and puts the ball past goalkeeper Maignan. Spain scores the fourth goal and wants more!

Lamine Yamal converts a penalty kick with his left foot into the right corner, putting it past goalkeeper Maignan. Spain extends their lead with a third goal from the Spanish striker.

Lamine Yamal runs down the left side of the area, invades the area and is fouled by Rabiot. After the VAR analysis, which had a chance of marking the Spanish striker as offside on the line of the play, the decision is a penalty for the Spanish.

In a move on the left side of the area, Theo Hernández attacks the baseline, crosses low and the ball goes past Dembélé, who had made a sliding tackle to finish. France misses a great chance to reduce the score at the Arena.

The second half begins at the Mercedes Benz Arena. For now, Spain is leading France 2-0 at the Mercedes Benz Arena in the Nations League semi-final. Follow the live broadcast of the final stage with us on VAVEL

For now, Spain is leading France 2-0 at the Mercedes Benz Arena in the Nations League semi-final. We'll be back shortly to follow this great match in real time on VAVEL.

Dembélé tries a cross shot with his right foot from outside the area and goalkeeper Unai Simón makes another good save. The Spanish goalkeeper doesn't let anything slip through his fingers in the first half of the match, while France misses several chances.

In a set play, Lamine Yamal lifts the ball into the box, Zubimendi heads it and passes to Huijsen. The defender shoots with his left foot and puts the ball past goalkeeper Maignan. After a VAR review, the offside is confirmed.

Koundé passes to Dembélé inside the box, who shoots over goalkeeper Unai Simón, but the goalkeeper jumps and palms away the Frenchman's shot. France misses another good chance to react inside the Mercedes Benz Arena.

Dembélé is brought in on the right wing, hits a cross with his right foot and goalkeeper Unai Simón palms it to the left side, preventing the French team from scoring. The away team tries to react after conceding two goals in the first half of the match.

Lamine Yamal arrives late and makes a tackle on Doué. The Spanish forward is cautioned with a yellow card by the match referee and is suspended. The young player is at risk of being sent off in the decisive match.

Doué tries a cross shot with his right foot from outside the area and goalkeeper Unai Simón deflects it with his left hand to prevent the French goal. The ball is then crossed into the area, Mbappé finishes first time and the Spanish goalkeeper holds it firmly. France tries to react!

🚨🇪🇺 MIKEL MERINO DOUBLES THE LEAD FOR SPAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A GOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2-0 Spain.pic.twitter.com/CUdeOTafEC — Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) June 5, 2025

Oyarzabal is fed through the middle, makes a great pass to Merino, who invades the area and finishes low with his right foot, putting the ball past goalkeeper Maignan in the corner of the French goal. Spain extends the lead!

🚨🇪🇺 NICO WILLIAMS OPENS THE SCORING FOR SPAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-0 Spain.pic.twitter.com/smCALKIsKq — Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) June 5, 2025

Lamine Yamal faces a marker on the right side of the area, makes a low cross and the ball is controlled in the six-yard box. Nico Williams picks up the rebound with his left foot and puts it past goalkeeper Maignan. A great goal from the Spanish!

Rabiot advances down the left side of the area, has freedom and tries a powerful shot with his left foot. The ball goes too high and doesn't bother goalkeeper Unai Simón. The game is played at the Mercedes Benz Arena. Both teams create good chances.

Nico Williams breaks through the left side of the area, breaks through and shoots with his left foot. Goalkeeper Maignan deflects the ball with his left foot, preventing the Spanish team from scoring at the Mercedes Benz Arena. The game is very close in the semi-final.

Doué receives the pass on the left side of the area, tries to dribble past the defender, but drops back and passes to Mbappé in the half-moon. Number 10 hits the ball with his right foot and hits the Spanish defense, who block the French shot.

After a corner kick, the ball reaches Theo Hernández, who shoots a cross with his left foot in the half-moon and hits the crossbar of goalkeeper Unai Simón's goal. France misses a great chance to open the scoring inside the Mercedes Benz Arena.

Nico Williams breaks through the left side of the area, tries a shot with his right foot and goalkeeper Maignan makes a good save. Spain presses again after the chance wasted by the French against Unai Simón's goal.

In the move down the right side of the area, Mbappé sets off at speed with freedom, passes the ball in the penalty area, receives the ball back and shoots at goalkeeper Unai Simón, who saves it at close range and saves Spain.

Inside the box, there is a back and forth movement, Yamal catches the ball with his left foot in the six-yard box and the ball deflects off the French defense. Spain wins a corner and has the chance to open the scoring from a set piece inside the Mercedes Benz Arena.

Theo Hernández receives the ball on the left side of the area, shoots across goal with his left foot and the ball goes too high and out. Goalkeeper Unai Simon is not worried and is relieved that France missed the chance.

The game begins! The first half is underway between Spain and France at the Mercedes-Benz Arena for the Nations League semi-final. Follow the live broadcast of this great match with us on VAVEL.

⏳ Ça approche… pic.twitter.com/6scxQ6J0nn — Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 5, 2025

NO HAY PARTIDO.

Si Unai no saluda.#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/OkvyaikS0I — Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 5, 2025

Total goals: Spain 18x14 France
Total assists: Spain 9x8 France
Total goals conceded: Spain 9x8 France

France 2x0 Croatia - Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Croatia 2x0 France - Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Italy 1x3 France - Nov 17, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
France 0x0 Israel - Nov 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Belgium 1x2 France - Oct 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League

Spain 3-3 Netherlands - Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Netherlands 2-2 Spain - Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Spain 3-2 Switzerland - Nov 18, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Denmark 1-2 Spain - Nov 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Spain 3-0 Serbia - Oct 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League

Spain 2x1 France - Jul 9, 2024 - European Championship
Spain 1x2 France - Oct 10, 2021 - UEFA Nations League
France 0x2 Spain - Mar 28, 2017 - International friendly
France 1x0 Spain - Sep 4, 2014 - International friendly
France 0x1 Spain - Mar 26, 2013 - European qualifiers

Spain assists
Ruiz: 1 assist in 8 games
Pedri: 1 assist in 8 games
Yamal: 1 assist in 5 games

France assists
Digne: 3 assists in 5 games
Kolo Muani: 1 assist in 7 games
Olise: 1 assist in 6 games

Spain top scorers
Oyarzabal: 3 goals in 6 games
Ruiz: 2 goals in 8 games
Zubimendi: 1 goal in 7 games

France top scorers
Kolo Muani: 3 goals in 7 games
Barcola: 2 goals in 8 games
Dembélé: 2 goals in 6 games

Spain and France face each other on Thursday (05), at 4 pm, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The match is valid for the Nations League semi-final. Follow us as we broadcast this great match in real time.

In addition to the live coverage here on VAVEL, the Spain vs. France match will be broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN, SporTV, and Disney+. The match is part of the Nations League semifinals. Follow the broadcast with us.

Championship: UEFA Nations League

Date and Location: 05/06/2025 - Mercedes-Benz Arena

Time: 15:00 pm

Where to watch: ESPN, SporTV and Disney+

Live: VAVEL

𝙇𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 👊

Opposition avec des joueurs des Espoirs aujourd’hui ! #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/sRgo8mzUHs — Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 1, 2025

"Kylian (Mbappé) and Aurélien (Tchouaméni) will arrive on Monday at noon, and the seven players who will play in the Champions League final will arrive on Monday night. Honestly, they both intended to come on Friday, but they (Real Madrid) follow FIFA rules and the date is June 2. I'm not going to put the players in conflict with the club. Kylian, as captain, wanted to be with the group already, but that's how things are." "Yes, of course, there's a lot of respect between us. The last time we saw each other was in the summer of 2023 and we intend to see each other again next summer, for the same reasons. Zizou is a very good candidate, natural and, I would add, expected. I don't know if he'll want to." "I'm not going to get into that debate. Didier has two years left on his contract and, out of respect for him, his team and the players, the question of his succession is not being raised today. I want Didier to work in peace, as we have significant challenges ahead of us," concluded the French coach.

"I'm going to rest for a few hours, because right now I'm going to start watching football and thinking about what we're going to do in September. Well, I'm healthy. I follow a footballer's diet, pasta and shredded chicken." "I'm in love with my land, my country and Spain. I think we're the best country in the world and the best place to live. Let's talk about bullfighting. San Isidro or the April Fair: which do you like more?" "Well, each one has its own atmosphere. You made it difficult for me (laughs). I really liked San Isidro. It was a discovery. Emilio de Justo. I'm an admirer of all bullfighters. Long live good bullfighters! But for me, Emilio de Justo is not only my friend, whom I appreciate and love very much, but I'm also an admirer of luck." "A complete workout. The truth is that I take care of myself. I try to work all muscle groups. I like it because I'm also balanced in that aspect of muscle development. But above all, the most important thing is that it's what helps me have more mental balance. It really clears my mind." "Wine and Rioja, yes".

France's likely starting line-up is set to be: Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, Lucas Hernandez, Digne; Tchouaméni, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappé, Kolo Muani. France have some important absences from their squad for the clash.

France coach Deschamps is certain to be without two players for the clash with Spain: Eduardo Camavinga has suffered a complete rupture of the adductor tendon in his left thigh and Jules Koundé has a distal tendon injury in his left thigh. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano have both suffered cartilage injuries in their knee.

Spain's likely line-up is: Unai Simón; Mingueza, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Ruíz; Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Williams and Morata. Spain have a number of players missing for the match.

Spain coach Luis de La Fuente is without Rodri, who is still recovering from a torn ACL, and Carvajal is being treated for a ruptured right knee. Laporte and Ayoze Pérez have both injured their thighs, while Ferran Torres is recovering from surgery for appendicitis.

Spain and France will face each other on Thursday (05), at 4 pm, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The match is valid for the UEFA Nations League semi-final. Follow us as we broadcast this great match in real time.