After contrasting semifinal matches, both Spain and Germany will vie for the UEFA Women’s Nations League title, as the reigning world champions aim to defend the title they secured last year.
La Roja successfully dismantled Sweden, winning both legs convincingly with an aggregate score of 5-0. In contrast, Germany had a more challenging path, narrowly overcoming last year’s runners-up France after a tight 1-0 victory in Düsseldorf in the first leg and a 2-2 draw in Caen in the second leg to reach the final.
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Sweden and France will also compete for third place on the same days as the two-legged final. Our ESPN analysts, Samuel Marsden and Julien Laurens, share their insights on the upcoming matches.
Spain seals victory over Sweden as they prepare for final challenge
Positive developments unfolded both on and off the field as Spain’s new coach, Sonia Bermúdez, oversaw an impressive 5-0 aggregate triumph over Sweden in her inaugural matches in charge.
The decisive damage occurred in the first leg, where Spain delivered an exceptional display in Malaga. Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina each scored twice, marking the start of the Bermúdez era with a four-goal victory. The subsequent 1-0 win in Gothenburg, attributed again to Putellas—her 40th goal for Spain—was not as visually pleasing but expectedly challenging against the world’s third-ranked team.
Before kick-off, substantial discussions arose under Bermúdez’s leadership, notably with the return of Barcelona defender Mapi León and Tigres forward Jenni Hermoso. The significance of León’s return is especially notable, considering her position as one of the last players who nearly resigned from international duty in 2022.
Before participating in both matches against Sweden, León had not represented her country since the Euro 2022 quarterfinal loss to England. Her comeback signifies a step toward healing within the Spain squad, which has excelled during a challenging period marked by disputes with the federation for better conditions.
Bermúdez offers a fresh perspective following her appointment, replacing Montse Tomé, who previously served as assistant coach to Jorge Vilda. Initial signs are positive, as the players appreciate her international experience—61 caps for Spain, with her last match played in 2017—and her career trajectory in football.
“Communication with Sonia has been paramount thus far,” said Laia Aleixandri from Barça. “This marks the beginning of a new era. She has a clear understanding of our needs, which is essential. We have developed a strong rapport with her.”
Ultimately, however, Bermúdez will be evaluated based on results, and she may soon face the necessity of a generational shift. Players such as Putellas, León, Hermoso, and Irene Paredes are all over 30. While none are noticeably slowing down, younger players are eager for playing time.
Bermúdez granted a full debut to 17-year-old midfielder Clara Serrajordi on Tuesday, with 19-year-olds Vicky López and Lucía Corrales also participating in Friday’s match.
However, these matters can be addressed later. Spain, the defending world champions and Nations League titleholders, will be favored in the final against Germany, whom they defeated in last summer’s Euros semifinal before losing to England in the final.
The second leg will take place at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, providing Spain an opportunity to secure another trophy before what is expected to be a record crowd for a national team event at home. — Samuel Marsden
Germany continues to be France’s nemesis
As witnessed in the recent Euros quarterfinal and throughout various major tournaments, Germany once again crushed France’s hopes in the Nations League semifinal in Caen before an audience of 18,000.
The Germans affirmed their role as France’s nemesis, echoing past encounters in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups and the 2022 and 2025 Euros, consistently proving too formidable for Les Bleues.
Facing the absence of injured forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto, France head coach Laurent Bonadei opted to start Melvine Malard, the Manchester United forward, over Clara Mateo or Kadidiatou Diani in a bid to surprise their opponents.
The gamble paid off quickly, as Malard found the back of the net within three minutes. However, despite enjoying more possession (60% to 40%), more shots on target (six to two), and more significant chances created (three to none), the French side could not penetrate the German defense or the goalkeeping of Stina Johannes. France is likely to look back with regret for missed opportunities from Malard and Diani.
The Germans, however, displayed remarkable efficiency in front of goal, capitalizing on two shots on target to score twice, with contributions from Nicole Anyomi and Klara Bühl, marking her 30th goal in 74 matches. France’s 2-1 victory over Germany in February 2024 in the Nations League—a first outside of friendly matches—did not alter the historical odds.
The psychological advantage remains firmly with the Frauenteam, consistently making it count in competitive encounters against the French. Following the Euros, Bonadei has once again failed to guide France to a major final in his second tournament at the helm.
Both he and his players will now watch as Germany prepares to face Spain in the Nations League finals. — Julien Laurens