Spain coach Luis de la Fuente explains why Lamine Yamal was subbed off before penalties in Nations League final vs Portugal

After being defeated by Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final game, coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to replace Lamine Yamal generated controversy. However, he came out to explain the reasons behind his substitution.

Although Spain controlled the first half and much of the second, Portugal flipped the script by shutting down the Spanish midfield. Nuno Mendes emerged as the standout performer, asserting his dominance throughout the match. Despite Spain’s struggle to regain control, head coach Luis de la Fuente made the controversial decision to substitute Lamine Yamal. After the match, he addressed the media to explain the reasoning behind his decision.

“He is tired because logically there was little rest, he had a very hard year, he is 17 years old, we must also dose him when it corresponds, he is one more player in this fantastic national team… We wanted to give a little bit of energy to the game. Yeremy and Baena gave us that control of the game that we needed. We wanted to reactivate energy in the whole group, but especially on the wings,” Luis de la Fuente explained in the press conference after the final game against Portugal.

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From: bolavip.com