REPORT | Outstanding Spain at La Rosaleda (4–0)

The Spanish National Team hosted Sweden at a red-clad La Rosaleda Stadium for the first leg of the Women’s Nations League semifinals. It was Sonia Bermúdez’s first match in charge of the national side—a game the coach will surely remember for the rest of her life. Spain earned the victory in the capital of the Costa del Sol thanks to goals from Alexia Putellas, with a direct free kick, and Claudia Pina, who scored right after coming onto the pitch.

Before the match, Aitana Bonmatí, recently awarded the Ballon d’Or, presented at La Rosaleda her third trophy recognizing her as the best footballer in the world. It was a very special moment between the player and the fans in her first match wearing the national shirt after winning such a prestigious honor.

Spain, fully aware of what was at stake, came out firing from the opening whistle. Sonia Bermúdez’s side pressed the Swedish team from the start, and their effort and quality were rewarded ten minutes into the game. A free kick on the edge of the box, Alexia Putellas stepping up to take it—you didn’t have to be a genius to guess what was coming. With a beautiful left-footed strike, Alexia sent the ball straight into the top corner. An unstoppable shot for Falk that opened the scoring.

In a play later ruled offside, Salma Paralluelo was brought down inside Sweden’s penalty area and then had to leave the field, giving way to Claudia Pina. The Catalan forward made an instant impact—her first touch brought Spain’s second goal. Ona Batlle passed the ball to the edge of the area, and Claudia Pina, without hesitation, fired a low cross-shot straight into the back of the net.

It was an excellent first half from Spain, and there was still more to come. Before the break, Alexia Putellas scored her second of the match, capitalizing on a loose ball in front of goal after it bounced off the crossbar. It was Alexia’s 39th goal for the national team, a tally that moves her up to second all-time top scorer, surpassing none other than Vero Boquete.

In the second half, Spain created numerous chances to extend their lead. However, Sweden fought tooth and nail to stay alive ahead of the return leg. It looked as though their plan might succeed—but Spain plays every match at the highest level until the final whistle. That’s why, in the last minute of stoppage time, when everything seemed over, Claudia Pina struck again with a superb first-time finish to seal the game and complete the rout.

Spain will play the return leg of the Women’s Nations League semifinals at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg (Sweden) next Tuesday, October 28, at 19:00.