News

MATCH REPORT | Spain's star shines in Gothenburg

A penalty goal by Mariona Caldentey in the 96th minute secured victory for the Spanish team against Sweden (2-3) in their debut in the Nations League

The Spanish national team landed in Sweden with the goal of making their debut in the UEFA Women's Nations League with a win. The match kicked off with the star of the world champions on their chests. A not-so-distant encounter in the memories of fans, as both teams faced each other in the semifinals of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The past was irrelevant as soon as the ball started rolling on the pitch.

The Spanish team started off strong. The first chances fell to the current world champions. Lucía García tried to open the scoring with a header after a corner kick, but the ball went over the crossbar. The Spanish siege continued with a shot from Athenea del Castillo that the local goalkeeper managed to save.

Aitana Bonmatí also had the opportunity to open the scoring, but once again Musovic was impeccable. Despite the good sensations of the Spanish team, a corner kick put the Swedes in the lead. A cross into the heart of the area found Eriksson's head for the first goal of the match.

Spain continued with their plan despite the score. Mariona Caldentey sought the equalizer with a powerful shot that went over the crossbar. Minutes later, it would be Athenea del Castillo who would bring the score level. A shot from outside the area bounced into the net.

With the score at 1-1, both teams headed into halftime. In the second half, the national team came out with a lot of clarity in their play. Athenea ventured into the Swedish penalty area and, when about to make the decisive pass, encountered the Swedish defense. Lucía García also posed a threat from the left flank, while Aitana attempted with a great shot.

The opportunities for the Spanish team kept coming. Persistence pays off, and that's what happened on the Gamla Ullevi pitch. A threaded ball reached the boots of Eva Navarro, who, after a cut inside, shot to score a fantastic goal. A powerful long-range shot gave Spain the lead. However, the excitement didn't last long. The Spanish defense blocked Blackstenius' shot, and the rebound fell to Hurtig, who sealed the draw.

In the final minutes, the match tilted towards an attacking game from both sides. With almost no time left, Amaiur Sarriegi was brought down in the penalty area by Ilestedt, a clear penalty and an expulsion. From the penalty spot, Mariona Caldentey placed the ball perfectly to give Spain the first three points of the UEFA Nations League. A victory loaded with symbolism that highlights that beautiful star the Spanish team will always proudly display.

DATA SHEET

SWEDEN (1)

Musovic, Jonna Andersson, Eriksson, Ilestedt, Björn (Sembrant, 65'), Rubensson, Asllani (Janogy, 78'), Angeldal (Bennison, 65'), Hurtig, Blackstenius, and Rytting Kaneryd (Jakobsson, 65').

 

Coach: Peter Gerhadsson

SPAIN (2)

Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Alexandri, Olga Carmona, Aitana Bonmatí, Tere Abelleira, Alexia Putellas, Athenea del Castillo (Eva Navarro, 71'), Lucía García (Amaiur Sarriegi, 79'), and Mariona Caldentey.

 

Coach: Montse Tomé

0-1 | Eriksson (23'), header after a corner.

1-1 | Athenea del Castillo (38'), shot from outside the area.

1-2 | Eva Navarro (77'), shot from outside the area.

2-2 | Hurtig (82'), rebound in the small area.

2-3 | Mariona Caldentey (96'), penalty.

Rebecca Welch (England): Issued a yellow card to Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden) and Lucía García (Spain). Sent off Ilestedt with a direct red card (Sweden)

Assistant Referees: Natalie Aspinall and Emily Carney (England)

Fourth Official: Emily Heaslip (England)

Matchday 1 of the UEFA Women's Nations League

Gamla Ullevi Stadium (Gothenburg, Sweden). Full attendance with over 18,000 spectators