MATCH REPORT | An ode to football as Spain reach the grand final

At the Stuttgart Arena and in front of more than 60,000 fans, Spain have done it again. They have written a chapter on talent, effort and success with their qualification to yet another final. For the third consecutive time this team has reached the final of the UEFA Nations League.

In the build-up, Luis de la Fuente and Pedri, key in midfield, gave hints of what the match would be like: “We have to dominate with the ball,” “we must have control it and always take the initiative.” Once said and now done.

With possession and verticality as their hallmark, Lamine, Zubimendi and Unai Simón, among others, stood tall from the early stages — creating danger on the wing, commanding the midfield with authority and blocking every shot on target between them. The French side, dangerous in attack like few others are, demanded the very best from the Spanish team, even hitting the crossbar through Theo Hernández in the 11th minute.

But this team, our team, always grows  in moments of adversity; and the French attempts only served as motivation: the Spanish hurricane was approaching.

After a spectacular pivot by Mikel Oyarzabal, who held the ball with his back to goal and found an impossible opening to pass to Nico Williams who placed the ball in the top corner to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. It wasn’t just 1–0, it was the start of a true exhibition that still had one more act before half-time.

Merino would take centre stage. And Oyarzabal, once again, played the supporting role. A ball over the defence, a strike at the near post, goal and a celebration in a corner that forms part of the heritage of the Donostia-born number 8’s family traditions. The party was in full swing now, but the second half would reveal Spain’s finest version, with Lamine Yamal ready to delight Spanish fans.

He scored the third from the penalty spot, and the goal to make it 5–1, after a one-touch move with Pedro Porro. Before that, in the 55th minute and following a penalty from Mbappé, Pedri had made it 4–1 to cap off another wonderful personal display, one that now surprises no one at all. His performance and his name, chanted over and over, is the perfect example for kids to aspire to.

There was no time to breathe or take your eyes off the match. The chances kept coming. France pushed. The scoreline tightened. The tension rose. And Unai, in the match that saw him equal Iribar’s number of international caps (49), flew across his goalmouth again and again to see Spain through to the final.

There is no reward without effort: Spain will face Portugal this Sunday in the grand final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League. The story continues.