MATCH REPORT | Woodwork and Hemp deny Spain at Wembley

In a spectacular Wembley and on a chilly London evening, Spain started strongly to contain the hosts’ early momentum. However, in the 3rd minute, following a corner, a somewhat scrappy finish crossed the goal line—Hemp’s goal giving Sarina Wiegman’s side the lead.

Spain needed composure and control to turn things around. From a set piece, a corner taken by Claudia Pina and met dangerously by Irene Paredes almost brought the equaliser. Ona Batlle then pounced on a rebound from a powerful Patri Guijarro strike, creating another chance that narrowly went wide.

Gradually taking control of possession, Spain pushed forward toward Hampton’s goal. Esther González and Vicky López both threatened, but without finding the net. Sonia Bermúdez’s side increased their tempo and fluidity, while England focused on defending. Around the half-hour mark, Ona fired over the bar after a quick attacking move.

Just before half-time (45’), Hampton denied Spain again by saving a shot from Patri Guijarro. Nothing changed before the break.

Spain came out for the second half unchanged and with the same attacking intent. In the 47th minute, the post denied them again—Olga Carmona’s dangerous strike hit the woodwork and bounced away from goal.

The opening moments of the second half became end-to-end. In the 55th minute, Vicky López also hit the post. Bermúdez made changes in the 61st minute, bringing on Salma Paralluelo for Esther González. The game became more open, with Vicky lively on the right and Claudia Pina active on the left. Irene Paredes threatened with a header, but it missed the target.

Spain kept pushing for an equaliser. In the 75th minute, Bermúdez made a double substitution, introducing Edna Imade and Lucía Corrales for Olga Carmona and Claudia Pina.

In the 80th minute, Patri Guijarro left the pitch after an ankle knock, replaced by Clara Serrajordi. Soon after, Vicky López had another chance with a looping header, but again without reward. One of Spain’s clearest chances came near the 90th minute, when Edna’s header narrowly missed.

In the end, despite their efforts, Sonia Bermúdez’s side left Wembley without points.

Spain will look to secure all three points in their next match against Ukraine on Saturday, April 18 at 16:00, at the Nuevo Arcángel in Córdoba.