Pre-match | Nations League Objective: A New Chapter, New Challenges

Consulta el DOSIER OFICIAL de la semifinal de la UEFA Nations League

The Spanish national team travel to Málaga to face Sweden in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-finals (kick-off 20:00, Teledeporte). La Rosaleda welcomes the world champions for Sonia Bermúdez’s debut as head coach, as Spain begin their title defence after lifting the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2024.

It was precisely against Sweden — and also at La Rosaleda — that Spain sealed qualification for the previous Nations League Finals. That memorable match in Málaga ended in a 5–3 comeback victory for the hosts, setting one of the early attendance records for the women’s national team. Now, the World Cup winners return to the same venue to contest the first of two decisive fixtures against the Scandinavians for a place in the final. It promises to be a high-level encounter, with captain Irene Paredes noting that the key will be to “perform exceptionally well to beat Sweden, because they will demand the very best from us.”

The match will bring together two teams of contrasting styles but immense quality. Sweden, top of Group A in the qualifying phase and currently third in the FIFA World Ranking, arrive after narrowly missing out in the EURO quarter-finals, losing to England on penalties. Spain approach the tie with the excitement of a new challenge — and the prospect of reaching yet another final after their triumph in Switzerland this summer. These semi-finals mark the beginning of a new era for Sonia Bermúdez’s Spain, as the coach from Madrid takes charge of her first match on the national team bench. She has already described tonight’s test as “a very tough game.”

Romanian referee Iuliana Demetrescu will take charge of proceedings at La Rosaleda.

Recent encounters between the two nations have favoured Spain, bringing back great memories — including the 2–1 victory in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which paved the way to glory. Spain also triumphed in both Nations League fixtures between the sides last year. The hosts will again look to make the most of home advantage, backed by a passionate Málaga crowd eager to celebrate their heroines — and to see up close Aitana Bonmatí’s third Ballon d’Or and Vicky López’s Kopa Trophy.

The national team have a fresh green canvas on which to paint another chapter of their story — with their artistry, their football, and their spirit. Two steps remain — just two — to reach the grand final.