In Cata’s Hands

Spain earned a 0–0 draw in Kaiserslautern in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, thanks in part to the team’s strong defensive performance in stopping Germany’s attacks.

Sonia highlighted this in the press room: “We must give value to the defensive work of a team that knew how to suffer,” and in that collective effort there was one name that stood out in protecting Spain’s goal: Cata Coll. The head coach encouraged her in the pre-match talk: “Show that personality I love, that sense that nothing fazes you—we need that today, don’t lose it.” And Pòrtol’s goalkeeper did not lose it; she left the Fritz-Walter-Stadion more than satisfied: “A perfect match. The defensive line saved us, I did my job too—it’s about being a team. Sometimes the forwards win games by scoring goals, and sometimes it’s the back line.”

“To stay alive, you have to keep a clean sheet. That’s my job, what I’m here for. I’m proud and happy for the team, who knew how to suffer and hold on,” Cata said, and she proved it with several key saves at crucial moments, keeping the team alive with quick decision-making: “For me, the toughest one was the last one—the coming out with my foot and just getting a toe to it. You have to decide whether to go or not, because that’s not something you practise every day.” It’s not just her job; it’s about keeping a country’s hopes alive for the second leg: “We’re excited to play in Madrid, at home. We hope for a full Metropolitano and, hopefully, to lift the trophy and celebrate it with all our people.”