World Champions set sights on thrilling Nations League Final

After an exciting and thrilling UEFA Women’s Nations League tournament, Spain and Germany are set for a two-legged clash in the final.

The Spanish Women's National team kick off their campaign in the final by playing the Germans away in Kaiserslautern at the Fritz-Walter stadium on the Friday 28th of November.

Throughout the tournament, Selección Española de Futbol dominated over other nations. Now, the squad are prepared to fight for another piece of silverware to add to their repertoire.

Group stages

Spain drew a tough group in the Nations League, facing Belgium, England and Portugal. Their group stage took place over six matches, playing each team twice.

Their campaign kicked off with a thrilling and exhilarating opening match against Belgium where we saw a five-goal thriller. Belgium managed to take the lead with an opening goal from Mariam Toloba in the 18th minute with no more advancements until they doubled their lead through captain, Tessa Wullaert in the 72nd minute. Still, the Spanish did enough to win the game 3-2.

However, the opening win couldn't push them as far as to their second: Spain suffered a 1-0 defeat to England, Jess Park on the scoresheet.

Spain being a side full of ambition, pushed through as they reached the halfway mark in the group stage by securing a win against opponents, Portugal, winning 4-2 with midfield maestro, Patri Guijarro, defender, Laia Alexandri, young star, Claudia Pina and finally Esther Gonzalez netting for the Spanish. They continued to dominate throughout the group stage, as they secured another three points against Portugal. This match consisted of an eight-goal thriller: Salma Paralluelo, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Mariona Caldentey and Gonzalez on the scoresheet.

The second time Spain faced the Red Devils, they maintained the same energetic tempo with five goals from Gonzalez, Athenea Del Castillo and Alba Redondo.

Concluding the group stages, Spain secured five wins in six following a comfortable 2-1 win against European Champions, England. Pina netted in a comeback to mark their top-of-the-table finish.

Semi-finals

After group stage domination, Spain earning fifteen points out of a possible eighteen, they advanced comfortably to the semi-finals. Drawn against Sweden across two legs, this challenge proved a tough test for Spain.

Ahead of the Nations League final four, the UEFA Women’s European Championships took place in Switzerland, with Spain aiming to revenge a second-place finish last time out in 2022. But once again, they fell at the final hurdle, suffering a defeat to England on penalties in the final.

Instead of reflecting on the loss in a negative headspace, the team reassessed and restructured as they moved forward onto their next challenge, Sweden. Hungry for their next win, Spain again reminded that they are capable of another goal thrilling game. Sweden put up a fight but let the win slip away. Spain managed a 4-0 brace in the first leg. Barcelona stars, Putellas and Pina both scored two in the first leg.

However, Sweden came out stronger in the second leg. Thus, Spain kept a clean sheet across both legs, where Putellas contributed to a comfortable 1-0 win in the second leg sending Spain into the final.

The team selection

A player who is questioned among Spain’s defence is London City Lionesses’ Jana Fernandez. After leaving her childhood club in the summer post-European Championships, the right-back joined the newly promoted London City side. Since joining the club, she has become a key part of their defensive line as she becomes one of their vital starters. Flourishing with her club and thriving within one of the most challenging leagues, fans are left questioning where she lies within the national team.

Another player to spotlight is another defender who made a move this summer. Barcelona's newest signing, Laia Alexandri signed from Barclays Women’s Super League club, Manchester City over the summer as she returns home. The player has managed to work her way through the squad as she develops her relationships with her teammates and focuses on fitting in.

Developing throughout her time with the club she's managed to work her way as frequent starter in their back line: even starting in the El classico, and against UEFA Women’s Champions League opponents, Chelsea. Alongside pushing into the starting eleven, Alexandri is becoming more confident in attacking situations. The defender only netted two for Manchester City, yet for Barcelona she is integrated into becoming a part of their scoring ways: she has already scored three goals in the opening months of her season in Blaugrana.

This development filters into the international setup. The defender plays alongside right-back, Ona Batlle for both club and country, as well as Spanish National team captain, Irene Paredes and newly re-called, Mapi Leon. As she strives and strengthens at her new club back home, she is flourishing within the national team by providing fluidity within the backline.

Moving up the pitch another one of Barcelona's stars who deserves spotlighting is Vicky Lopez. The youngster won the prestigious Kopa Trophy in Paris at the Ballon D’or ceremony earlier this year, as she displayed her promising talent and future last season. During the EUROs Lopez stepped up in the shoes of two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Bonmati, after she picked up an illness at the start of the tournament.

At such a young age, she lives up to the standards and expectations left by the Spanish midfielder - she fluidly fit within the squad helping them push towards goal. Lopez is praised for her versatility playing consistently both in the midfield and as a left-winger. Her pace and endurance allow her to work up Barcelona's left channel, constantly using her energy to create crosses and send through balls to her teammates, while also contributing herself to the attacking threats. In Liga F this season she has already netted four goals, placing her within the top goal scorers of the campaign.