The Spanish National Team came out full of good intentions in Pasarón, bossing the play in the first half. Mariona Caldentey had a goal disallowed for offside after eight minutes. Despite the player's shot from inside the area being ruled out, it served as a declaration of intent for what was to follow. In the next probing passing move, the Spanish national team took the lead, with Aitana Bonmatí on the edge of the area, she opened play up down the right for Athenea del Castillo, who mesmerised her marker with a feint before firing home at the near post.

Cata Coll was virtually unbothered in goal during the first half, which was evidence in itself of how overwhelming the Spanish possession was. The team were cheered on throughout by a packed partisan Pasarón crowd passionately supporting their local girl, Tere Abelleira, and the rest of the Spanish stars.

However, after coming out of the changing rooms after the break, Italy went on the offensive and had Spain on the back foot. Valentina Giacinti got on the end of a ball into the box and curled it into the far side netting to level the score. Minutes later, Cambiaghi and Linari successfully got on the end of two crosses from the right flank to not only put the Italians in front but then put some breathing space between the teams too.

Spain continued to attack and Tere Abelleira managed to lift the crowd with a shot against the crossbar from outside the area, but in this instance the team were unable to find the net. In the 76th minute, however, Esther broke into the box and beat the Italian goalkeeper to get Spain back into the game and make for a difficult final few minutes for the visitors, but time was not on Spain’s side.

All is not lost though, Spain still have a game to play against Sweden at La Rosaleda next Tuesday. Furthermore, they will get to Malaga knowing their hard work is done, having already qualified for the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's Nations League in February, a competition which could result in them securing a place at the Olympics.