Pina and Lopez fire la Roja to Nations League glory

Spain claimed back-to-back UEFA Women’s Nations League titles with a commanding 3-0 victory over Germany in Madrid, sealing the second leg of the final with a dazzling second-half surge.  

After a cagey, goalless first meeting in Germany, la Roja rose to the occasion on home soil, powered by a superb brace from Clàudia Pina and a stylish strike from Vicky Lopez. 

A wasteful first half, and a German warning

Spain began on the front foot and controlled early possession, yet their finishing touch deserted them before the interval.  

Esther González missed a clear chance after being played through by Pina. Moments later, Mariona Caldentey fired wide from eight yards despite being unmarked: a moment that summed up Spain’s frustrating start. 

Germany nearly capitalised on those missed opportunities. In stoppage time of the first half, Nicole Anyomi found herself one-on-one with Cata Coll, only to drag her effort wide. It proved a pivotal moment and Germany’s best opportunity to strike the odds in their favour.

Second-half breakthrough: Spain turn the screw

Sonia Bermudez’s side merged with renewed intensity and were rewarded in the 61st minute. Pina, who has been in prolific form for Barcelona this season (eleven goals in fifteen matches), combined brilliantly with Caldentey on the edge of the area before guiding a precise low strike into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.

Spain doubled their advantage just seven minutes later . Lopez, allowed too much space to turn, curled an exquisite finish into the top corner. Although Germany goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger got a hand to the ball, she could not prevent the shot from finding the net.

With Germany reeling, Spain pressed higher and forced another decisive error. In the 74th minute, Pina intercepted a loose pass near the halfway line, drove forward, and produced a stunning diving finish to make it 3-0 and seal the title.

Tactical discipline and depth on display

Spain’s performance was especially impressive given the absence of back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmatí, who is set to miss five months after surgery on a fractured leg sustained in training.

Despite her absence, Spain’s midfield remained dominant, dictating tempo and winning second balls to pin Germany back for long stretches. Germany, meanwhile, were outplayed in the middle third and struggled to create chances beyond isolated breaks. Their inability to withstand Spain’s pressure in the second half proved decisive.

A golden era continues

This victory marks Spain’s third major international trophy in two years, following their triumphs at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Nations League.

The continued rise of young talents such as Pina and Lopez suggests their success is far from finished. Having finished runners up to England in the UEFA Women’s EURO this summer, the World Champions will be looking to dominate under new management and remind their global audience exactly how clinical they can be when a title is at stake.

Verdict

Spain delivered a champion’s performance: precise, relentless, and fearless. While Germany had the chance to swing momentum late in the first half, Spain’s superior class and attacking cohesion ultimately defined the contest.

With Pina and Lopez leading the charge, la Roja once again demonstrated why they are currently the benchmark in women’s international football. 

However, for Germany this disappointing end to their Nations League campaign will push them to fight back and reassert their dominance on the global stage in the New Year.

Final score 

First leg: Germany 0-0 Spain

Second leg: Spain 3-0 Germany