Spain weathered German resilience, relentless pressing and a standout first-half from Ann-Katrin Berger before exploding into life after the interval, guided by the brilliance of Clàudia Pina and Vicky López. Three goals in a devastating 15-minute spell delivered a 3–0 victory and another Nations League triumph for a side increasingly defined by its composure, depth and attacking flair. Read our match report on the Women’s Nations League Final Spain vs. Germany here.
Match Highlights
- Pina opens the scoring in the 61st minute and later finds the back of the net for a second time.
- Vicky Lopez doubled the lead for Spain with a beautiful goal from the edge of the box.
Germany Hold Spain at Bay in First Half
Spain flew out of the blocks in the Women’s Nations League final, carving out a string of early chances that immediately stretched the German back line. Alexia Putellas threatened first, released after sharp work from Vicky López down the right, but her heavy touch inside the box allowed Germany to scramble clear. Moments later, Pina slipped a clever ball through for Esther González, who ghosted in behind Knaak, only to drag her effort inches past the far post as Berger rushed out to narrow the angle. Putellas then went close again with a glancing header, but Berger was equal to it, tipping the ball away.
Gradually, Germany steadied themselves. After weathering Spain’s blistering start, they pushed higher up the pitch, disrupting Spain’s passing rhythm and forcing mistakes in midfield. The match grew increasingly open, with both teams snatching at opportunities born from defensive lapses.
Spain nevertheless carried the greater threat. A sweeping move down the left found Clàudia Pina in space, and her driven cross picked out Mariona Caldentey at the far post. With the goal at her mercy, Caldentey leaned back and fired over. As the half ticked into its final five minutes, Spain turned the screw once more. Vicky López unleashed a rising effort from the edge of the area that clipped the roof of the net, before Berger again came to Germany’s rescue, parrying a low strike from Caldentey.
But Germany had one more warning to offer. A loose ball inside the Spain box fell invitingly to Nicole Anyomi, who stabbed her effort just wide of the far post. It was a nervy end to a frenetic half. Spain dominant in spells but held at bay by Berger, and Germany dangerous enough on the break to keep the final firmly in the balance.
Spain Break the Deadlock
The second half opened at a slower tempo, with chances scarce as both sides probed cautiously. Spain, however, resumed control of possession and territory, steadily tightening their grip on the contest. After an hour, the final remained goalless, though Germany were increasingly pinned into their own half.
The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Clàudia Pina, lively all evening, carved open the German defence with a brilliant solo sequence down the left. Cutting inside, she combined neatly with Mariona Caldentey, who laid the ball back to the edge of the area. Pina met it first time, guiding a crisp finish beyond Ann-Katrin Berger to give Spain the lead their play had long promised.
The goal ignited Spain’s confidence, and within minutes they had doubled their advantage. This time Vicky López was the architect and finisher, driving into the box from the right and bending a superb curling strike around Knaak and past Berger to make it 2–0.
Pina Scores Again
Spain, now in full flow, were ruthless. A loose pass from Minge gifted Pina possession high up the pitch, and she pounced. Striding forward, she unleashed a powerful effort that left Berger with no chance, her second of the night stretching Spain’s lead to three and all but sealing their Women’s Nations League crown.
Both coaches turned to their benches before the 80-minute mark: Christian Wück introduced Hendrich and Dallmann in place of Nüsken and Brand, while Spain replaced Esther González with Jenni Hermoso to manage the final stages.
Germany pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but Spain’s composure and control never wavered. As the final whistle blew, the holders celebrated another commanding performance and another title—an emphatic confirmation of their status at the summit of the women’s game.
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