MATCH REPORT | Goal-fest for Spain at the Capital do Móvel (2–4)

On a cold and rainy evening in Paços de Ferreira, La Roja came out firing from the first whistle in Matchday 3 of the UEFA Women’s Nations League qualifiers. However, the early chances with real danger belonged to Francisco Neto’s Portugal. Spain then slowed the tempo, trying to take control of possession — something that proved more difficult than usual against a gritty Portuguese side.

Claudia Pina and Salma Paralluelo combined to create Spain’s first clear chance, followed by a powerful strike from Patri Guijarro from outside the box. The rebound fell to Pina, who ended up on the turf after a collision with a Portuguese defender, but she was able to carry on.

Both teams were fighting for control and looking to build their attacks with patience. Spain broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with Patri Guijarro finishing off a move to make it 0–1. But the lead didn’t last long — Portugal equalised just two minutes later thanks to a strike from Catarina Amado (1–1).

Spain pushed hard before the break, and in the 40th minute, Laia Aleixandri headed home after a clever assist from Pina to restore the lead (1–2). Then came a brilliant finish from Claudia Pina, smashing in a left-footed effort in the 44th minute to make it 1–3 just before half-time.

As the rain poured down, the second half resumed with the same intensity. Romanian referee Iuliana Demetrescu pointed to the spot for a foul by Jana, and in the 56th minute, Carole Costa converted to bring Portugal back into the match (2–3). Spain responded by pushing forward again, with Claudia Pina causing constant trouble and Salma Paralluelo pinning back the centre-backs. Portugal’s struggles led to two yellow cards in five minutes. Mariona Caldentey, showing great flair with a nutmeg, nearly added a fourth.

By the 69th minute, both benches began making changes. Dolores Silva came on for Andrea Jacinto, and Andreia Faria replaced Andreia Norton for Portugal. For Spain, Esther González and Vicky López came on for Mariona and Aitana. It was Esther’s first match back with the national team in over a year.

After a solid save from Cata Coll, Portugal made another change in the 81st minute: Ana Dias replaced Capeta. Spain’s next sub came in the 84th, with Athenea del Castillo coming on for the outstanding Claudia Pina.

In the closing stages, substitutions dominated the action. Portugal made a double switch: Silva and Marchão off, Encarnação and Seiça on. Then came the final blow: Esther González netted Spain’s fourth in the 88th minute after a cross from the right by Athenea (2–4) — a perfect comeback for the striker after a year away.

In stoppage time, Maite Zubieta replaced Salma Paralluelo (93’), sealing Spain’s performance.

This win puts Spain second in Group A3 with six points, just behind England, who lead with seven after their 4–0 win over Belgium. Spain and Portugal will meet again on Tuesday, 8 April at 19:00 at Balaídos Stadium, live on La 2, TVE.