Spain secured a place in the Nations League 2025 final after defeating France. What initially appeared to be a one-sided affair in Spain’s favor turned into a tense, edge-of-the-seat contest towards the end. Spain will now take on Portugal in the championship match, while France will compete against Germany for third place.
First Half Summary
Spain came out strong, establishing a dominant 2-0 lead before halftime. Although France started the match by controlling possession and attempting to penetrate Spain’s backline—completing 202 passes to Spain’s 172 by the 16th minute—Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon delivered a stellar performance. He denied several chances, including a critical save off Doue’s shot in the 31st minute, keeping the game goalless at that point.
Goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Lamine Yamal played a clever pass to Oyarzabal inside the box. Oyarzabal skillfully beat the French defenders and assisted Nico Williams, who fired a powerful shot into the top corner of the net to open the scoring.
Just two minutes after the opening goal, Spain struck again in the 25th minute. Mikel Merino and Oyarzabal exchanged quick passes, allowing Merino to break into the box. He calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Spain’s lead to 2-0.
France Pushes On Before the Break
France continued to press, with Dembele and Olise actively trying to create opportunities, but Spain’s defense remained firm. Goalkeeper Unai Simon delivered a series of brilliant saves to maintain the lead. France thought they had pulled one back in the 44th minute through Huijsen, but the goal was disallowed for offside, and the score stayed 2-0 heading into halftime.