MATCH REPORT | Spanish courage pays off at the Ciutat de València stadium (3-2)

This evening at the Ciutat de València was one of many firsts: the first match of the year, a new competition, a new kit... but one thing does not change, the same old Spanish quality and determination.

In a match of momentum swings, the first half chance came eight minutes into the game when Aitana Bonmatí's great back-heel to Claudia Pina nearly found Vicky. Two minutes later, Alba Redondo, returning to a familiar pitch for her, came close to scoring the first, drawing gasps from the stands. Montse Tomé's side began to pin the Belgians back on occasion after occasion, controlling the pace of the match, playing the ball around comfortably and looking for the move that would open the scoring. 

However, it was Belgium who struck first in the 18th minute after a rebound which Toloba took advantage of (0-1). The Red Flames, who had their new coach on the touchline, took the lead with their first chance. However, it was Spain who had the possession and were looking to threaten Evrard's goal. Vicky was the first to go close from outside the box and then Alba Redondo went one-on-one with the Belgian goalkeeper. 

At the start of the second half Montse Tomé brought on Ona Batlle in place of Sheila García. And the team came out probing as they had done in the first half, creating dangerous chances but without success. One such occasion was the cross-cum-shot that went just wide from Alba, who was trying everything she could. Spain continued to string together chances as Montse continued to look to the bench, bringing on Athenea and Lucia for Vicky and Alba, who departed from the field of her home ground for almost six years to the applause of the crowd.

Leila, Mariona, Aitana and Pina all had chances but the Belgians were defending tooth and nail. But just when it looked as if an equaliser was on the horizon, Toloba slipped in a through ball for Wullaert, who finished emphatically after a great galloping run that left her one-on-one with Cata Coll.

However, Spain did not let up at any point and continued to fight until they were rewarded with a goal. Claudia Pina put the ball past Evrard's left-hand post from the edge of the area, leaving the keeper no chance. Thirteen minutes remained and Montse Tomé's side were on the hunt for more. In stoppage time, Lucía García equalised and in the last gasps of the match, Cristina Martín-Prieto secured the three points for Spain, proving that this team never gives up. Spain will now be looking for another three points in the next match against England.

This match was also a charity match in support of the victims of the floods. The players wore a T-shirt with the slogan ‘We play for you’ in the warm-up and all proceeds will go to the reconstruction of the  Paiporta football facilities.