The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League continues with a blockbuster semifinal showdown as defending champions Spain take on former title holders France. This much-anticipated clash is a repeat of the 2020/21 Nations League final, where Les Bleus came from behind to defeat La Roja 2-1 and claim their first-ever Nations League crown.
The two European powerhouses have locked horns 37 times in official matches, with Spain holding a narrow edge: 17 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses. Their most recent four meetings were evenly split, with each team claiming two victories.
Their last significant tournament encounter came in the Euro 2024 semifinal, where Spain edged out France 2-1 en route to lifting their third European Championship title. That victory added a fresh layer of rivalry heading into this latest encounter.
The Road to the Semis: Drama in the Quarterfinals
Both teams advanced to the semifinals the hard way, through penalty shootouts after tense, evenly matched quarterfinals.
Spain faced the Netherlands and drew both legs. Ultimately, they held their nerve in the shootout, winning 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the final four.
France had an even more dramatic journey. After losing the first leg 0-2 away to Croatia, they returned home and mounted a fierce comeback. The tie ended level on aggregate and was settled in France’s favour after another penalty shootout thriller.
Star Power on Display: Key Player Matchups
This semifinal is loaded with talent, and several high-profile head-to-head battles are expected to steal the spotlight:
- Yamal vs Dembélé:
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has become one of Spain’s most electric young talents, helping Barcelona to a domestic treble this season with 19 goals across all competitions. He was also pivotal in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. On the opposite flank, Ousmane Dembélé had an equally dazzling season with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing 33 goals and 13 assists, guiding PSG to four trophies and earning UEFA Champions League Player of the Year honours.
- Morata vs Mbappé:
Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata is on the verge of making history. A goal in this match would see him tie Fernando Torres for third on Spain’s all-time top scorer list (38 goals). For France, newly minted Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 43 goals and securing the European Golden Boot.
- Gavi vs Kanté:
In midfield, expect fireworks as Gavi, Spain’s engine, takes on the evergreen N’Golo Kanté, whose experience and defensive prowess remain world-class. The midfield battle could ultimately decide the rhythm and tempo of the game.
France also boasts rising stars like Michael Olise, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Bradley Barcola, who bring pace, flair, and depth to the team. Spain counters with their usual control-oriented style, powered by midfield maestros like Pedri, Rodri, and Fabian Ruiz.
Tactics and Predictions
This semifinal is shaping up to be a classic clash of styles. Spain will rely on their trademark possession game, short passes, and midfield dominance. France, on the other hand, is more direct, using their speed in transition and sharp finishing to break opponents open.
With both teams evenly matched and packed with elite talent, the match could come down to a moment of individual brilliance or yet another penalty shootout.
Spain wants revenge. France wants another title. The stakes are high, and the tension even higher. As two of Europe’s finest prepare to collide again, football fans around the world are guaranteed a night of drama, passion, and world-class football.
