They are, without a doubt, the two standout names from the Spain-Czech Republic match played yesterday in El Plantío. When the match looked to be heading in the wrong direction for our team, the connection that has brought so much joy to the national team blossomed.

The match was over an hour old. Just a few minutes earlier, Eliška Sonntagová had given the Czechs the lead, but María Méndez then equalised for Spain, latching onto a ball from Alexia.

It was then that Jenni and Mariona showed their class and understanding forged over so many years playing together. It was 62 minutes into the game when, in front a stadium full of passionate support, Mariona put in a pinpoint ball for the Madrid-born striker to beat Votíková with a low shot. The comeback was well nz truly on and El Plantío went wild.

However, the Spanish party would not end there. Just eight minutes later, in the 70th minute, Jenni was on hand to return the favour and assist Mariona to score. A ball to the edge of the area for the Mallorcan, a cut-back, and a shot across goal put the third goal on the scoreboard for Spain, “We were talking a lot with Jenni, moving into the same areas. For her goal, she broke well and I spotted her. Then she pulled it back to me for my goal, so we're quits now," said Mariona with a smile on her face.

After the goal, a hug between the two players showed their satisfaction at the way the match was going: "We all like to score, and even more so in front of a full stadium", said a Mariona who was grateful to the Burgos fans.

Once the game was over, the player gave her shirt to a young fan who was cheering her on from the stands. The little girl’s unbridled joy illustrated perfectly what happened last night in Burgos and the capacity of football and its stars to please people.