Latest news with #UnaiSimón
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Portugal vs Spain - team news, lineups, predictions
Portugal and Spain face each other this Sunday at the Allianz Arena for the Final of the UEFA Nations League. The match will be broadcast live at 20:00 on ITV 1. In their last fixture, Portugal won 1-2 against Germany (UEFA Nations League 2024/25). In their last match, Spain prevailed 5-4 against France (UEFA Nations League 2024/25). Advertisement The last meeting between the two teams ended with Spain winning 1-0. Unavailable Portugal Espanha Last starting XIs Portugal ( vs Germany 2025-06-04): Diogo Costa, João Neves, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, Francisco Trincão, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo Spain ( vs France 2025-06-05): Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Marc Cucurella, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri González, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lamine Yamal dazzles as Spain win goal fest with France to set up Portugal final
Another day, another final. Another night to enjoy, and the promise that there will be many more to come. The European champions made their way to Munich where they will defend their Nations League title with a 5-4 victory over France which left something more than just the result in Stuttgart. It may not be such a leap to imagine that this Spain could match that one; it may not be such a leap to suggest that the 17-year-old they have in their team is not just going to be the best player in the world, he is already is. If this was an audition for the Ballon d'Or, as many said, the award is his. And the best thing of all is that Lamine Yamal is not alone. In fact, it is worth saying Spain weren't alone either: France were beaten but played their part in making this so good, starting well, ending well, scoring four of their own and racking up more than 20 shots, all the way to Randal Kolo Muani's superb header to make it 5-4 in added time, drama to the last. But Spain keeper Unai Simón caught the final ball and ultimately they had been defeated by Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri, a footballer so smooth it seems easy. Lamine Yamal scored two here, his every touch a threat, but by the time he did Spain had already scored twice, through Williams and Mikel Merino. They would eventually get five, Pedri adding a lovely fourth between Lamine Yamal's brace to make it 5-1 with 20 minutes left. They would also concede four, a belter from Ryan Cherki goal and an own goal from Dani Vivian on 79 and 84 minutes making it look like there might even be a comeback when Kolo Muani scored the fourth. This was fun from the start, the first winding run from Lamine Yamal coming inside 90 seconds, a backheel for Pedro Porro 30 seconds after that and Theo Hernández immediately following up by firing over. It was open and played at pace, the shot count rising almost as swiftly as the players were moving. There were 13 of them within 20 minutes, another one from Hernández clipping the bar, Simón and Mike Maignan both making saves, but no goals. Not yet, anyway. With the 14th shot, Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute. They did so as France had begun briefly to assert themselves, the balance tilting their way, Désiré Doué and Adrien Rabiot both having decent shooting opportunities. With Spain struggling, Pedri and Merino swapped positions, the Barcelona player dropping a little deeper to try to get hold of the ball and, as it turned out, it did not just serve to get them back in the game; it put them into the lead. The first prolonged passage of Spanish possession saw the ball worked to Lamine Yamal, who played in a crisp pass through the smallest opening for Oyarzabal on the edge of the six-yard box. Back to goal, he held off Ibrahima Konaté, moved the ball from one foot to the other, and neatly nudged it to his right where Nico Williams was waiting to smash into the net. Spain added their second just three minutes later and this too was a superb goal, beginning with Robin LeNormand playing out from deep. Again, Oyarzabal's awareness and subtleness of touch was the pivot on which it turned. Merino received, found Oyarzabal and spun into space; Oyarzabal returned it to him and he finished low into the net. Spain's lead was maintained by the strong hand of Simón, who saved from Doué, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Then, just before half-time it appeared to have been extended when a lovely free-kick routine, touched by Pedri, clipped in by Lamine Yamal and set up by Martin Zubimendi's cushioned header ended with Dean Huijsen's superb volley. The flag though was up. Almost immediately Dembélé escaped, only for his shot, the 21st of the opening period, to be stopped by Simón. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion On it went, two more French approaches within two minutes of the restart, two low crosses flying through the six-yard box, inviting a touch that never quite came. On Spain went, too. And this is a such an incisive Spain, so quick to go for the throat, to stream into the space as soon as it opens, intent in everything they do. Williams did so this time, sliding the pass into the run of Lamine Yamal. Rabiot, the man Lamine had enjoyed getting the better of at last summer's Euros, came to him, invited in. The challenge was clumsy at best and referee Michael Oliver had no doubt. Lamine Yamal gestured for the fans to get to their feet, which they did, then took the ball, and his moment, and rolled the penalty into the corner. Checkmate. Only Spain weren't stopping there, they were enjoying it too much. France had barely registered the blow when they were hit again, a gorgeous touch from Pedri seeing him glide into space, find Williams and continue into the area, where he took the return pass and lifted it over Maignan and into the net. The superiority was overwhelming now, the quality at speed astounding, even if Mbappé did win – now there's a euphemism – and score a penalty soon after. Even if Dembélé would hit the post. Because if France stepped up, Spain didn't mind and there was Lamine Yamal again, running on to Porro's neat volleyed layoff, easing away again and then poking past Maignan. Still France were not finished, still the fun wasn't either. But it is Spain who progress. Oh what fun we had.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The 3️⃣ standout players from a truly spectacular Spain v France clash
Five goals, FIVE. Spain has put a 'manita' to France in a match for history. A match in which Luis de la Fuente's team has dominated Les Bleus at times and in which the French have reacted like an exceptional team. A Nations League semifinal that will be remembered. A semifinal of a competition that Spain will try to revalidate next Sunday. Portugal awaits Spain in the final, a team that is hungry for glory. The back-to-back is the big goal of this team. Advertisement It's hard to pick just three protagonists from tonight. A tough selection, but for us, it's like this. Lamine Yamal, the LEADER of an overwhelming selection Many paired him with a duel with Mbappé tonight, and the one from Mataró has come out as a clear winner. Once again, Lamine Yamal has shown his quality and daring, becoming the leader of the Spanish national team. An exceptional second half with two goals, forcing a penalty and assisting in several moments of the game. He's not even 18 years old yet (he turns 18 in July), but Lamine is already the leader of this team. Unai Simón, a CAPTAIN of full security If there was any doubt about who should occupy the starting position in the national team's goal, today it has been completely dispelled. Unai Simón, who debuted as captain, has been a wall to stop the French onslaught. The Athletic goalkeeper has shown himself to be very solid under the posts and only Spain's mistakes in the second half have made him concede goals. Mikel Oyarzábal, the BRAIN of the attack We have to be honest and recognize that things didn't look good at the start of the game. Spain needed someone to turn around the problems of creating play with a France that was pushing forward. And that's when Mikel Oyarzábal appeared, changing everything from the attack. The Real Madrid player became the game organizer and the launcher of an attack that ended with two almost consecutive goals that laid the foundations for victory. Pure intelligence. Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 THOMAS KIENZLE - AFP or licensors
Business Upturn
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United: Key players to watch in first leg of Europa League semi-final
As the UEFA Europa League semi-finals take center stage, all eyes will be on the high-stakes showdown between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United at the iconic San Mamés Barria this Thursday. With a place in the final on the line, this first-leg clash promises intensity, drama, and moments of brilliance from both sides. Both clubs have shown grit and determination to reach this stage. Athletic Bilbao, aiming for their first-ever Europa League title, impressed with a commanding 2-0 aggregate win over Rangers. Meanwhile, Manchester United pulled off a sensational comeback against Lyon, reinforcing their reputation as never-say-die contenders on the European stage. Let's take a closer look at the key players who could define the outcome of this thrilling tie. Athletic Bilbao: Key Players to Watch 1. Iñaki Williams A constant threat on the flanks, Iñaki Williams brings raw pace, directness, and experience. His ability to stretch defenses and create space for his teammates could prove pivotal, especially against United's high defensive line. 2. Unai Simón Spain's first-choice goalkeeper, Unai Simón, has been rock solid throughout the campaign. His shot-stopping ability and calmness under pressure will be vital in keeping out United's attacking trio. 3. Oihan Sancet Operating in midfield, Sancet provides the creative link between defense and attack. His vision and late runs into the box make him a danger Manchester United must neutralize. 4. Nico Williams The younger Williams brother, Nico, has been electric on the left wing. His dribbling and flair can unlock defenses, and he's likely to be a constant headache for United's full-backs. Manchester United: Key Players to Watch 1. Bruno Fernandes Bruno Fernandes remains United's heartbeat. His passing range, leadership, and eye for goal make him the key man in transitional moments and set pieces. 2. Rasmus Højlund The Danish striker has grown into his role as United's focal point in attack. Højlund's physicality and poacher instincts make him a major threat inside the box. 3. Casemiro Veteran midfielder Casemiro brings Champions League-winning experience and defensive stability. His ability to break up Bilbao's rhythm and control the midfield will be essential. 4. André Onana After an up-and-down season, Onana faces a stern test in Bilbao. His command of the area and distribution could help United escape high-pressure moments, but mistakes at this level can prove costly.
Business Upturn
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United: Who will win the first leg of the Europa League semi-final?
By Aman Shukla Published on May 1, 2025, 10:04 IST As the Europa League semi-finals heat up, one of the most anticipated encounters will see Athletic Bilbao take on Manchester United at San Mamés Barria on Thursday. Both teams are hungry for European glory, and with a spot in the final on the line, this first-leg clash promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle. Let's break down both teams and predict who might emerge victorious in this thrilling tie. Athletic Bilbao has been a standout team in this season's Europa League. Having reached the semi-finals for the third time in their history, the Basque club is determined to make the most of this rare opportunity. In the previous round, Athletic secured a 2-0 aggregate victory over Rangers, proving their mettle on the European stage. Athletic Bilbao's Possible Starting Lineup: Goalkeeper: Unai Simón Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Inigo Martínez, Mikel Balenziaga Midfielders: Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oihan Sancet Forwards: Iñaki Williams, Mikel Berenguer, Nico Williams, Guruzeta On the other hand, Manchester United's journey to the Europa League semi-finals has been nothing short of dramatic. In their quarter-final tie against Lyon, United completed a jaw-dropping comeback to secure their place in the final four. Despite relinquishing a two-goal lead in the second half, the Red Devils managed to claw their way back into the game, forcing extra time before ultimately progressing. Manchester United's Possible Starting Lineup: Goalkeeper: André Onana Defenders: Axel Tuanzebe, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw Midfielders: Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Amad Diallo Forwards: Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund Who Will Win? Both teams are evenly matched, with Athletic Bilbao having the home advantage and Manchester United boasting a squad full of star power and experience. Bilbao's defensive solidity and quick attacking transitions will test United's defense, while the Red Devils' ability to control the game and create chances could prove decisive. Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Manchester United (First Leg) The first leg at San Mamés Barria will be a tense, high-stakes affair, and while Athletic Bilbao's home advantage makes them a formidable force, Manchester United's resilience and quality may help them secure a narrow win. Athletic BilbaoManchester United Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
