Germany seek retribution in Nations League clash against Spain

Germany are entering their Women's Nations League final versus Spain this weekend determined to settle a score, following their heartbreaking extra-time exit in the Euro 2025 semi-finals just months ago.

The Germans will host the current world champions for the first leg on Friday in Kaiserslautern, before the second leg takes place in Madrid on 2 December.

Aitana Bonmatis goal in the 113th minute in Zurich in July eliminated the Germans and denied them the opportunity to gain revenge for their 2-1 extra-time defeat by the eventual champions England in Euro 2022.

Four months later, the drive for retribution is strong for Christian Wuecks team, alongside an opportunity to gauge their standing against the top side in the world.

Manchester City midfielder Rebecca Knaak featured in that July match and noted that the Germans intend to channel the pain of that loss into drive.

We definitely want to show we can beat Spain. The defeat still hurts, Knaak remarked on Tuesday.

We have taken lessons from our previous meeting and understand the areas needing improvement. There is certainly a score to settle and this presents a chance to perform better over two matches.

As the most accomplished side in the history of European womens football, Germany has seen their dominance wane in recent times while other countries have made massive strides.

Eight-time European champions and two-time World Cup victors, the Germans last major success arrived ten years back, with a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Key absences

Wueck assumed control after the 2024 Olympics and has brought stability despite several retirements and a spate of injuries.

Veteran forward Alexandra Popp and keeper Merle Frohms retired from international football last year, while key players Giulia Gwinn, Lena Oberdorf and Sarai Linder are sidelined by significant injuries.

Oberdorf faces months on the sidelines after suffering another ACL tear in October, though Gwinn has returned from a ligament issue and will lead the team as captain versus Spain.

Germany saw the return of goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger on Wednesday. She joined the squad late having claimed the NWSL title with Gotham FC and taken part in the victory parade in New York.

The 52-year-old Wueck steered clear of revenge talk but expressed enthusiasm for his teams opportunity to challenge the World Cup winners, describing Spain as the finest team in Europe.

We are tremendously thrilled for these two fixtures and equally eager to face Spain, knowing we will face a stern test that demands our very best to stand any chance, Wueck stated.

However, I am confident we possess the ability to secure victories in these encounters.

Lyon midfielder Jule Brand echoed this view, noting that a win would signal strength to rivals and elevate team morale.

Brand highlighted the potential impact of the crowd at Kaiserslauterns 47,000-capacity Fritz Walter Stadion, perched atop the Betzenberg hill in the city centre, for Fridays game.

Grandma, grandpa, everyone supported Kaiserslautern, the 23-year-old shared, recalling her childhood visits to the iconic venue.

Even with the benefit of hosting the second leg, and possibly extra time or penalties, Spain vowed an aggressive approach.

I am not aiming for a draw, said Spain coach Sonia Bermudez. I want to secure the win there, ideally with plenty of goals.

Germany represent an outstanding team. We hold them in the highest regard and fully recognise the challenges that await.