MATCH REPORT | Spain power past Ukraine (1–3)

Despite the cold in Antalya, Spain soon warmed up in a pre-match atmosphere lifted by a lively brass band backing the team from the stands. And Sonia Bermúdez’s side quickly began to raise the temperature on the pitch as well.

After a lively opening with chances at both ends, Spain slowed the tempo, settled into possession and started to control the ball. Alexia Putellas created the most dangerous moments in the opening fifteen minutes. Salma Paralluelo, full of intent, drove Spain forward alongside Athenea del Castillo up to the half-hour mark, with the clearest opportunity falling to Vicky López, whose effort forced a superb save from the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

Spain’s dominance also brought several corners, with a series of headers flying just over the bar. After a rebound from an Athenea effort, Lucía Corrales struck powerfully but saw her shot go wide.

After all the pressure, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 44th minute from a set piece. Edna Imade finished off a perfectly delivered cross from Salma Paralluelo, forcing the ball into the net for her second goal for Spain.

There was still time for one more before halftime — and it was a beauty. In 45+3’, Lucía Corrales unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Keliushyk, giving the Balearic midfielder her first senior international goal.

Spain made a double change at the start of the second half, with Fiamma Benítez and Eva Navarro replacing Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo.

With Ukraine sitting deep and defending, Spain grabbed a third in the 55th minute. Vicky López calmly converted a penalty after Shmatko handled an Athenea shot, putting Bermúdez’s side firmly in control both on the pitch and on the scoreboard.

In the 63rd minute, Bermúdez made further changes, handing Martina Fernández her debut at 21 years old, while Inma Gabarro also came on for Vicky López and María Méndez.

Despite Spain’s control, Ukraine pulled one back when Ovdiychuk finished a cross from the right. Just a minute later, another debut arrived as Ornella Vignola, also 21, stepped onto the pitch for her first appearance with the senior national team — a moment she, like Martina, will not forget.

Spain ultimately secured the win in Turkey, ending the first two matchdays with six goals scored and only one conceded.

Spain’s next qualifiers — Matchdays 3 and 4 — will take place in just over a month: April 14 against England and April 18 against Ukraine. Until then, Spain close this international window on six points, level with England at the top of Group A3.