Arsenal star's continuing love affair with Stuttgart propels Spain towards another final
- By Yann Tear at Stuttgart Arena
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Read Between the Lines
France 4-5 Spain
Nations League semi-final
It was just under a year ago that Mikel Merino's twisting header a minute from the end of extra time ended Germany's hopes of carrying off the Euro championships on home soil.
That brilliant finish to settle an enthralling encounter in the Stuttgart Arena gave Arsenal fans a mouth-watering foretaste of the midfielder they were about to acquire.
One year on and he was at it again - drilling in a first-hslf goal that gave Spain a 2-0 lead that was the foundation for victory on a wild night of chances and goals galore.
The night's big star was 17-year-old Ballon D'Or hopeful Lamine Yamal, who won and calmly converted a penalty before a superb toe-poke finish that put the Iberians 5-1 up on a night of 40 shots.
Spain were breathtaking in attack, with Merino playing his part as the Barcelona kid, along with Nico Williams on the other wing, ran amok. But of more concern was a defence containing two more London-based players, which allowed the French to scare them late on with three unanswered goals.
Spurs right back Pedro Porro claimed a fine cushioned assist for Yamal's second goal but gave away a penalty after being done for pace by Kylian Mbappe, and Chelsea's normally unflappable Marc Cucurella on the opposite side endured a difficult evening.
The Gernan fans have not forgiven the bubble haired defender for a handball in that encounter with Spain last year and his every touch was greeted with loud whistles. His was a more diffident display than we are used to seeing.
Merino himself was far from flawless, despite enjoying another happy night in this arena. He almost gifted Mbappe a goal. Yet he is a player who can override such moments and he did - swiftly regaining his composure and elegant poise alongside Gunners target Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad.
In a match full of intrigue, Crystal Palace fans had the chance to see the player who got away. Michael Olise, now at Bayern Munich, of course, looks so accomplished in the French national side, but he and his team-mates won't look back on this goal fest too fondly after being on the wrong end of it.
There was a very decent late cameo from Malo Gusto too, though it can't have been easy for France's Chelsea defender to enter the chaos and make an impact.
Sunday's final should be a corker as Merino's Spain take on Pedro Neto and the Ronaldo circus. A local spat with very much a global interest - especially the Workd Cup just one year away.
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