Spain fight back to end Morocco's dream

Abel Ruiz (R) of Spain in action against Mehdi Boukamir of Morocco during the Men's soccer semi final match between between Morocco and Spain at the Soccer competitions in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Marseille, France, 05 August 2024. EPA/Kiko Huesca

by Staff Reporter

Monday Aug 05, 2024. 20:23

Spain reached the final of the Olympic Games for the fifth time after they came from behind to beat Morocco 2-1 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Monday.

Soufiane Rahimi’s sixth goal of the tournament gave the Atlas Lions the lead at half-time, but La Roja hit back through Fermin Lopez early in the second half before Juanlu Sanchez scored the winner five minutes from time.

Spain made a bright start and created the first real chance of note on 21 minutes when Lopez forced Mounir Mohamedi into a fine save low to his left with a shot from range.

But Morocco were presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring after Amir Richardson went down inside the area under a challenge from Pablo Barrios just past the half-hour mark.

VAR reviewed the incident and the penalty was allowed to stand, which was converted by Rahimi to put the North Africans in front.

Mohamedi preserved their lead at the break as he pulled off another save to deny Aimar Oroz from inside the box in the third minute of stoppage time.

Barrios also tested Mohamedi from distance on 54 minutes as La Roja continued to exert pressure and their efforts were eventually rewarded 12 minutes later when Lopez produced a clinical finish from inside the area to restore parity.

Lopez then turned provider as he picked out Juanlu Sanchez on the right and the substitute slotted home in the 85th minute to complete the comeback.