Spain clinch Olympic Gold in thrilling extra-time victory over France

The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, saw Thierry Henry’s French side rally from 3-1 down to force extra time, only for Spain’s substitute Sergio Camello to seal the win with two decisive goals.

Santi Denia’s Spanish squad has now replicated the success of Spain’s 1992 team, which won Olympic gold on home turf in Barcelona.

France opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match, with Enzo Millot’s shot catching Spain’s goalkeeper Arnau Tenas off guard, resulting in an early lead for Les Bleus.

However, Spain responded swiftly. Alex Baena set up Fermin Lopez, who expertly dispatched a first-time finish into the bottom corner to equalize.

Lopez quickly added a second goal for Spain after pouncing on a rebound from Abel Ruiz’s saved shot. The Barcelona star’s effort marked his sixth goal of the tournament. Spain, brimming with confidence, extended their lead to 3-1 when Baena curled in a stunning free-kick.

France, initially stunned, gradually regained composure and nearly pulled one back before halftime, only to be denied by Tenas.

In the second half, France ramped up the pressure. After several close calls, including a header off the crossbar by Manu Kone, they finally broke through when Maghnes Akliouche redirected Michael Olise’s free-kick into the net.

The drama intensified when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a stoppage-time penalty, bringing the score to 3-3 and pushing the game into extra time.

In the additional period, Spain regained control. Camello’s composed finish in the 100th minute restored their lead, and he struck again late on, capitalizing on a long pass from Tenas to secure Spain’s hard-fought victory.