MBAPPE IS KING OF THE COMEBACKS

IAN WINROW

KYLIAN MBAPPE capped another dramatic comeback to win the Nations League trophy for France.

His goal settled a final that had exploded into life in the 64th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead, only for Karim Benzema to equalise just two minutes later.

Then with the game in the balance, Mbappe kept his cool to find an 80th-minute winner (above) at the San Siro. Spain complained he was offside, but Premier League referee Anthony Taylor awarded the goal after a review by VAR Stuart Attwell.

France had reached the final in dramatic fashion with a stunning second-half comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit against Belgium.

Paul Pogba made an immediate impression last night with a superb threaded pass that sent Benzema clear on goal. But keeper Unai Simon did superbly to push the striker wide allowing the recovering defenders to snuff out the danger.

That proved a rare moment of threat from Didier Deschamps’ side and Spain began to dominate possession, Sergio Busquets, Rodri and the outstanding 17-year-old Gavi taking control of midfield.

Manchester City striker Ferran Torres played in Pablo Sarabia to test Hugo Lloris with a shot on the turn – the only effort on target from either side in the first half.

The tempo of the game went up after the restart and France’s Theo Hernandez crashed a shot against the bar.

Spain immediately countered, Sergio Busquets sent Oyarzabal clear and he outpaced Dayot Upamecano to beat Lloris.

Spain celebrations had barely died down when Benzema (above) curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Mbappe delivered the knockout blow by collecting Hernandez’s pass to finish calmly.