MATCH PREVIEW | Chasing a Second Nations League Title
In the competition’s inaugural edition, the world champions lifted the trophy back in February 2024 at La Cartuja, defeating France. It was a historic day—one of many achieved by this generation. And today, they’re doing it again. In just the second edition of the tournament, and after an outstanding qualifying phase with seven wins out of eight, Spain once again stands in a final, once again fighting for silverware.
This year’s final is played over two legs, with the first match taking place tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern (La 1, TVE). Waiting on German soil is a Germany side that hasn’t won a title in nine years and was eliminated by Spain in the semifinals of the EURO in Switzerland—Aitana’s extra-time strike sealed that victory. That match shifted the momentum in Spain’s favor, and just over four months later, the two teams meet again.
“It’s an opponent that will demand a lot from us. We know Germany is incredibly tough—they never give up,” said Sonia Bermúdez when describing the team they expect to face. She added that it’s “a team that will push us to the limit. One of the best matches you can play and watch right now.” Given the competitive level of both sides, the Madrid-born coach is convinced that “it will come down to small details,” and she hopes “the Metropolitano is full for the second leg because we’ll be going there to win. These players deserve everything.”
These players have reached two finals in just 124 days across two top-tier continental competitions: the EURO in Switzerland and the Nations League. Since the summer of 2023, Spain has reached three finals out of a possible four. As Olga Carmona put it: “You already know this team’s ambition. Tomorrow we want to win and, God willing, lift the trophy there.” The Sevilla native referred to the eagerly awaited return leg at the Metropolitano—but first comes the challenge in Kaiserslautern, where the stands will be roaring for Christian Wück’s Germany.
With triple Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, the EURO’s top scorer and top assister Esther González and Alexia Putellas, and as FIFA’s world No. 1, Spain now faces a new mission: defending their crown and becoming back-to-back UEFA Women’s Nations League champions.
More related news
