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Chasing three points in the Iberian clash at Balaídos

Spain, having won the first of the two fixtures, look to round off the international window with another three points
Tue, 08/04/2025 - 11:14

Portugal and Spain will face each other once again, for the second time in just four days, this time in matchday 4 of the UEFA Women’s Nations League qualifying phase. Spain claimed the previous encounter with a 2–4 victory over Francisco Neto’s side at the Capital do Móvel stadium in Paços de Ferreira.

This time, the Abanca Balaídos Stadium will host the final match of the April international window, with three crucial points up for grabs. Spain currently sit second in Group A3, just one point behind leaders England. The team’s chances of progressing remain strong and hinge on a solid performance against Portugal tomorrow.

"We believe they’re an intense team who press high and can cause us problems. We need to control the game to counter their strengths. They’re very dangerous on the counter," warned Montse Tomé in her pre-match remarks.

The coach from Asturias, who congratulated her players on Friday for the impressive four-goal haul away to Portugal, also called on the people of Vigo to come and enjoy the match — Spain’s first-ever appearance at Balaídos:
“It’s a privilege to have the national team in Vigo and Galicia. I hope fans come to the stadium and experience a great show firsthand.”

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Playing at home provides a real boost for the squad, who will aim to close out the window by adding another three points to their tally. Despite being a familiar and well-studied side, Portugal remain a dangerous opponent — a fact well known to both the coaching staff and the players.

"It’ll be a top-level match," said Claudia Pina during Monday’s official press conference. The forward is in fine form, having scored four goals in her last five international appearances — her latest a stunning strike against Portugal in the last match.

In terms of team news, the main change in the Spanish squad is the absence of Berta Pujadas, with Silvia Lloris called in as her replacement. Montse Tomé will have the full squad available as Spain go in search of a win that would strengthen their qualification hopes in Group A3.

Here are the squad numbers the players will wear for the match against Portugal.

The match, officiated by French referee Stéphanie Frappart, kicks off at 19:00 at the Abanca Balaídos Stadium and will be broadcast live on La 1 (TVE).

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