The Spanish women’s team has once again claimed the UEFA Nations League title. Even though the first match in and against Germany ended scoreless they had only little trouble with the Germans once the action moved to the Spanish capital.
I was there myself although that was never really the plan. While I was on my way that weekend to buy a ticket for the match between Rayo Vallecano and Valencia I started talking to a German football fan. He was heading to the Vallecas stadium too as well and told me he was in Madrid for the Nations League final. The man explained that he is a huge supporter of both the men’s and women’s teams. He tries to attend every match he can and was even present at the iconic 7:1 against Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. He managed to help me get two tickets in the German away section. And just like that I was off to the final of the Nations League too. Amazing what one conversation with a stranger can lead to.
Inside the Metropolitano stadium 55 843 fans were in attendance. Supporters from all over Spain had travelled to Madrid to witness the match and see the world champions in action. Before kick off you could already hear the incredible atmosphere building. The crowd was ready to push their team towards victory and another Nations League trophy. Spain had to do without their star player and three time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí who was injured the previous week in the match in Kaiserlautern.
The hosts started the game strongly. In the opening 10 minutes they created three major chances. Goalkeeper Berger intervened brilliantly on a dangerous header from midfielder Putellas. After 15 minutes the visitors produced their first moment of danger when Franziska Kett made a fine solo run which forced Cata Coll into action. The match then went back and forth. Spain struggled with the final pass while Germany occasionally tried their luck from distance. Just before halftime Vicky López set up Gonzalez Rodriguez perfectly but her shot was again stopped by Berger who was having an excellent match. Moments later German striker Nicole Anyomi had a chance to put her team ahead but her attempt went wide. Both teams went into the break at 0:0.
In the second half with everything still to play for Spain quickly took control. After an hour their pressure was finally rewarded by the attackers who have been shining all season at FC Barcelona. Claudia Pina unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. Berger got a hand to it but could not keep it out. The Metropolitano erupted as if Atlético had just scored a winner against Real. They had the lead but the Spanish side did not stop there. Seven minutes later Vicky Lopez went on a superb run and curled the ball beautifully into the top left corner. Spain looked certain to secure the title with Germany unable to respond. The best goal of the night was still to come. In the seventy third minute Pina fired an unbelievable long range shot after a counterattack leaving Berger no chance. Spain overwhelmed Germany completely with three goals in just thirteen minutes, each of them a beauty.
When the final whistle blew the Spanish players quickly began their lap of honour with We Are the Champions by Queen echoing through the stadium. The German team showed great respect and applauded the winners on the pitch. They can look back on a strong campaign but it is world champion Spain that successfully defends its Nations League crown. With almost fifty six thousand fans today and forty thousand last week in Germany it is clear that women’s football is making huge strides. Something that deserves appreciation and encouragement.
It was my first ever international women’s match and it certainly could not have been any better.
