Spain – France: Spanish Sparkle Fends Off Furious French Comeback (5-4)

While Rodri sits on the sidelines, Spain and France fought in a battle that brought together two candidates for the Ballon d'Or. Indeed, the ninety minutes would be a feast for the eyes with a series of special offensive plays in and around both boxes. But the champions came through.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Catch them if you can. Spain set the standard for European national football last summer, winning all of their seven clashes on the way to glory in EURO 2024. They then topped their group in the Nations League in the autumn and defeated the Dutch over two legs to reach the final four of the tournament. La Roja have resisted any losses in their competitive record since their showing against Scotland in March 2023. It might take one of the most talented troupes in the world to pull off the achievement.

If stylish football has been the thread through Spanish history, France have found a way through a blend of stability and stardom. Their defensive discipline dug a way through to the semi-final of EURO . . .