Sonia Bermúdez: “The team is ambitious and wants to win every match”

On the eve of the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-final against Sweden, Sonia Bermúdez spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference, where she reflected on her team, the significance of the match, and their opponent.

She began her remarks with a warm message for Salma Paralluelo, who was forced off the pitch in the first leg:

“I want to take a moment to think of Salma. From here, we send her a big hug and wish her a speedy recovery.”

The memory of the last Sweden–Spain clash two years ago is not on her mind; tomorrow’s match (7:00 p.m., Teledeporte) represents a new opportunity:

“We’re focused on the present and on tomorrow’s match, which we know will be tough. We want to win. We’ve come here to win and to reach the final we’ve been dreaming of. We’ll go out with intensity because we want to win and compete. The team wants to win this match and every match—they are very competitive.”

With a 4–0 advantage after the first leg in Málaga, when asked about possible changes to the starting lineup or player rotations, the coach emphasized the importance of the occasion:

“Salma’s replacement will, of course, be necessary. We’re playing for a place in the final, and we’re forgetting about the first leg—we’re only thinking about tomorrow. You’ll see the lineup then. I’m very pleased with the team’s work. Tomorrow is the big day; by this time, you’ll almost know the starting eleven.”

Following her debut, tomorrow’s match will also hold special meaning for her, her staff, and the squad:

“It’s not about pressure. I was eager to make my debut, to see my team compete, and I’m also looking forward to tomorrow. We know the opponent we’re facing—third in the world rankings—with great strengths. They’re dangerous and will have the home advantage. Our goal is to win tomorrow, and hopefully, everything will go well.”

Looking ahead to the match, the Madrid-born coach expects a very high tempo from the outset:

“We expect an intense game from the start. They’re trailing on the scoreboard, so they’ll come out strong in the opening minutes. We’ll try to counter that and score early to slow down Sweden’s attacks—they’re a very physical side—and we’ll aim to impose our own style of play. Sweden has a very strong new generation. I know many of them from the Under-23s, and we’ll prepare as best we can.”