Nine-goal thriller begets new Nations League record | OneFootball

The Nations League has its detractors, but there was no denying that the semi-final clash between Spain and France on Thursday night served up more than its fair share of entertainment.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal again dazzled as La Roja progressed to an all-Iberian final against Portugal on Sunday thanks to an incredible 5-4 victory.

Two nil up at the break, courtesy of strikes from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, the Euro 2024 winners looked to be cruising when Yamal notched a penalty and Pedri added another to put Luis De La Fuente's men 4-0 up after 55 minutes.

Kylian Mbappe struck to reduce the deficit, but another Yamal strike made it 5-1 as the Spanish looked to run riot...only for Les Bleus to storm back themselves with three late goals from Rayan Cherki, a Dani Vivian own goal and a header from Randal Kolo Muani.

It was a heck of a game all told and, in fact, it set a new record for the most goals ever scored in a Nations League game.

Prior to last night, the highest-scoring game in the competition's history came back in 2018/19 when Armenia crushed Gibraltar 6-2.

Let's hope there are plenty more goals to come in this Sunday's final, which looks set to be an intriguing tussle.

The last six games between the two neighbours have ended in five consecutive draws and a 1-0 win for Spain in the last clash, so it looks likely to be a tight affair.