MATCH REPORT | Three Goals… Three Points

Spain began their qualification campaign for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil with a convincing win at Castalia, where a lively crowd defied the wind and threat of rain to back the team. Before kick-off, the players showed their support for Laia Aleixandri following her recent ACL injury, on a special night for Mariona Caldentey. Named in the starting XI, she reached 100 international caps, joining the exclusive centurions’ club alongside Irene Paredes, Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso.

Sonia Bermúdez’s side started with intent, and Claudia Pina was at the heart of it. Within the opening seven minutes, Vicky López forced Iceland goalkeeper Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir into an early save. Soon after, Alexia Putellas and Inma Gabarro combined to carve out another opportunity as Spain tightened their grip.

The pressure continued to build. Pina delivered a pinpoint cross for Vicky, again testing Rúnarsdóttir’s reflexes, while Alexia came close with a powerful effort that drifted just wide. Corners followed in quick succession, with Spain using set-piece routines to challenge Iceland’s physical defence. Laia Codina threatened twice inside the opening 25 minutes.

Composed and well organised, Spain dominated possession and territory. Ona Batlle surged forward to unleash a fierce strike, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute. Claudia Pina powered home with her right foot after linking up with Vicky López on the edge of the area to make it 1–0.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Spain camped in Iceland’s half. Edna Imade replaced Inma Gabarro at the break and quickly made her presence felt, heading narrowly wide from an Olga Carmona cross.

Iceland struggled to cope with Spain’s tempo — and Pina delivered the decisive blow with a stunning second. Her 14th international goal, and second consecutive brace following her double in the Nations League final, was rifled into the top corner to double the lead.

Olga Carmona, who had taken a heavy knock in the first half, was replaced by Salma Paralluelo in the 59th minute. Alexia and Patri Guijarro combined in a dangerous move shortly after, though the chance went unfinished. Edna Imade again tested the Icelandic keeper before Alexia handed the captain’s armband to Mariona Caldentey upon her substitution in the 74th minute, with Fiamma Benítez coming on.

There was still time for a third. In the 76th minute, Edna Imade scored her first senior international goal, finishing from an Ona Batlle assist to seal a comprehensive 3–0 win. Late changes saw Jana Fernández and Athenea del Castillo introduced as Spain comfortably saw out the match, keeping a clean sheet to cap an excellent start to their campaign.

At full-time, RFEF president Rafael Louzán presented Mariona Caldentey with a commemorative shirt marking her 100th cap. The crowd celebrated an important victory — and a confident opening step in Group A3 on the road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Spain’s next fixture will be against Ukraine, who fell 6–1 to England in their opening match.