MADRID — Losing a three-time Ballon d’Or winner just two days before a crucial final might cripple many teams, but not Spain.
With a deep roster that continues to produce talent, Spain showcased their strength in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Germany in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, where rising stars Clàudia Pina and Vicky López stepped up, each scoring to claim the spotlight.
The record attendance of 55,843 at the Metropolitano had to be patient for over an hour, perhaps wondering if the absence of Aitana Bonmatí, who suffered a broken leg in training, might have altered the outcome.
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In the first leg in Kaiserslautern, both teams had played out a scoreless draw, and despite dominating the match in Madrid, Spain struggled to find their finishing touch, largely due to Bonmatí’s creative influence being absent.
However, in the 61st minute, Pina broke the deadlock with a powerful low shot that left goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger no chance to save. As Pina celebrated joyfully, the Metropolitano erupted in relief and jubilation.
Spain had been clearly the stronger side, creating nine chances in the first half alone. Yet they faced a frustrating wait for their first goal.
Once Spain took the lead, their confidence soared. Seven minutes later, winger López — honored with the Kopa trophy for the world’s best under-21 player — received the ball in Germany’s half and unleashed a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner, doubling the lead.
While both strikes were commendable, the real highlight came in the 74th minute. Pina, exerting her dominance, intercepted the ball at the halfway line and elegantly lofted a shot over Berger from the edge of the area, sealing Spain’s victory.
Pina’s two goals earned her the final’s MVP title, while 19-year-old López was a constant threat on the ball. Their performances demonstrated that even in the absence of Bonmatí and a waning Alexia Putellas, Spain’s future remains bright.
The threat from Spain was evident from the outset, with early missed opportunities, including a skewed shot from Esther González, who failed to convert a clear chance, prompting gasps from the crowd.
Pushing forward, Putellas saw a header saved by Berger, and López narrowly missed setting up González for an easy finish. With coach Sonia Bermúdez bringing in López to replace Bonmatí, the young winger added a different dynamic, leveraging her speed and agility.
Throughout the match, López challenged Germany’s defense relentlessly, providing numerous opportunities but without the desired outcome. However, Pina’s breakthrough goal transformed the atmosphere, and the remaining minutes became a celebration of Spain’s dominance.
The crowd cheered as Jenni Hermoso entered as a substitute in the 80th minute, and Pina was applauded as she exited in the final moments.
As Spain lifted the Nations League trophy amidst a shower of confetti, it symbolized the triumph of a golden generation: the reigning world champions, 2024 Nations League victors, and Euro 2025 finalists.
Spain has embraced success, and for Bermúdez, who took over in August, this victory marks her first trophy. It serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the absence of stars like Bonmatí, Spain remains a formidable force as they look ahead to the 2027 World Cup.