Spain seek to convert 'suffering' into triumph in Nations League final return match

The world champion Spanish team seemed scarcely identifiable in the opening fixture of the women's Nations League final, securing a blank draw away to Germany.

Sonia Bermudez's squad endured 'suffering' in Kaiserslautern last Friday, though they aspire to recapture their dazzling performance for the pivotal return fixture at Madrid's Metropolitano stadium on Tuesday.

Their challenge intensifies with Aitana Bonmati sidelined by a leg fracture sustained in training on Sunday, ruling her out of the match and possibly for several months.

Despite featuring the three time Ballon d'Or recipient, they faltered significantly last week, relying on goalkeeper Cata Coll for repeated saves, prompting Spanish newspaper Marca to quip that the keeper might face a ban from entering Germany henceforth.

'We anticipated challenges here,' Coll remarked post match. 'We held our own and endured collectively when required.'

They emerged intact and now benefit from home advantage in the capital, before an anticipated record audience for a national team game on home turf at Atletico Madrid's 70,000 capacity venue.

Nearly 50,000 tickets have sold for the encounter, with Spain's fellow Ballon d'Or holder Alexia Putellas convinced the supporters will contribute decisively.

'We desire the Germans to experience the vibe at the Metropolitano,' Putellas stated. Securing Spain's third global honour would mark a momentous achievement for figures like Jenni Hermoso and Laia Aleixandri, ex Atletico athletes.

'It gives me chills as we will share it with our entire family and everyone attending to back us,' Aleixandri expressed.

Areas for refinement

To retain the Nations League crown they claimed last year in the competition's inaugural edition, Spain needs to elevate their performance significantly.

Bermudez succeeded Montse Tome as manager following Spain's runner up finish to England at Euro 2025.

A 5-0 overall win against Sweden in the Nations League semi finals indicated potential, yet the trip to Germany highlighted how numerous sides are closing in on them.

This reality struck Spain's Barcelona contingent last season when Arsenal delivered a shock by defeating them in the Champions League final, ending a prolonged reign.

Spain displayed unusual looseness, possibly lulled by the prospect of the home second leg.

However, Germany manager Christian Wueck noted that the opener demonstrated 'we can not only match but impose our style against a side like Spain', while voicing disappointment over the missed win.

Spain held 56 percent possession, below their typical dominance, and found themselves stifled by tight German defending.

Spain's manager Bermudez indicated her side must enhance their display in the return.

'We failed to deliver our finest performance and adjustments are necessary,' she clarified, subsequently emphasising the need for greater 'incisiveness' and offensive output in Madrid.

That seamless, forward thrusting style is what the crowds packing the Metropolitano anticipate, alongside witnessing Spain's elite generation claim yet another title.