MADRID — For most teams, losing a three-time Ballon d’Or winner just two days before a significant final would be a daunting challenge. However, Spain has shown that it can rise above such setbacks.
With a growing pool of talented players, Spain demonstrated their prowess with a 3-0 victory over Germany in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, with standout performances from goalscorers Claudia Piña and Vicky Lopez.
In front of a record-setting crowd of 55,843 at the Metropolitano, fans had to wait over an hour for the first goal. Some might speculate whether Aitana Bommatti, who missed training due to a broken leg, could have altered the game’s course.
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Neither team scored in the first leg in Kaiserslautern, and the same situation unfolded in Madrid until the 61st minute. Although Spain produced consistent chances, they lacked the precision and calmness typically brought by Bommatti.
Finally, Piña’s confident low shot found the net, overpowering keeper Anne-Katrin Berger and igniting joyous celebrations among the fans and teammates alike.
Much like Germany’s earlier dominance in the first leg without translating it into goals, Spain took control at the Metropolitano. They amassed nine first-half shots, including several near misses, but struggled to find a breakthrough until Piña’s goal.
With newfound confidence befitting world champions and last year’s Nations League victors, Spain celebrated. Seven minutes after Piña’s opener, winger López, awarded the Copa trophy as the world’s best under-21 player earlier this year, received the ball at the edge of Germany’s half and curled a stunning shot into the top corner, extending the lead to 2-0.
Both goals were beautiful additions to the final, but it was Piña’s second goal in the 74th minute that solidified their victory. With Spain leading and Germany on the back foot, Piña intercepted the ball, surged past defense, and expertly found the net, sealing a decisive win.
Piña’s remarkable performance earned her MVP honors, and López showcased thrilling talent every time he touched the ball. Their contributions highlight a bright future for Spain, even in the absence of a star like Bommatti and a waning influence from Alexia Putelas.
The threat from the host team was evident right from the beginning, although some fans were still making their way to their seats as the evening kickoff began. Esther González from Gotham FC, typically a dependable scorer, missed a prime opportunity early on which drew a loud reaction from the crowd.
Just moments later, Putelas’ header was saved by Berger, and shortly thereafter, López’s cross nearly found González in front of the goal. Many of Spain’s best moments stemmed from López’s plays, who was called up by coach Sonia Bermúdez to fill in for Bommatti — the only change from the first leg.
López, one of eight Barcelona players on the squad, is distinctive in her playing style as a true winger who relies on speed and directness rather than the strategic play Bommatti is known for.
Throughout the game, she troubled Germany’s defense, providing crosses and taking shots but faced a series of missed opportunities leading to some frustration from the crowd.
All frustration turned to relief with Piña’s first goal and the two that followed, allowing fans to enjoy the final stages of the match without pressure. Jenni Hermoso, a substitute later in the game, and Piña, who was given a red card just before the end, received warm applause from the crowd.
Following the final whistle, Spain celebrated their Nations League victory on the pitch, showered with golden confetti. The victory marked yet another milestone for a golden generation: world champions in 2023, Nations League champions in 2024, and Euro 2025 finalists.
Winning is becoming second nature for Spain. However, this victory also marks the first trophy for coach Bermúdez since taking over in August. As the team gears up for the 2027 World Cup, it serves as a reminder that Spain remains a formidable force, even without a standout player like Bommatti.
Fan Take: This victory not only solidifies Spain’s dominance in women’s soccer but also serves as a strong warning to competitors as the sport grows in depth and talent. With emerging stars like Piña and López, the future of women’s soccer looks incredibly promising.
