Spain thrash Sweden in the Nations League semi-final to delight Malaga crowd

The world champions Spain made a big step in their quest to reach the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final after thrashing Sweden 4-0 on Friday night at Malaga’s La Rosaleda. It was a statement performance from Sonia Bermúdez on her debut as head coach, as her team combined flair with efficiency to dominate the world’s third-ranked side.

Spain arrived in Malaga on Thursday to a warm welcome from dozens of fans outside their hotel, where children waited for photos and autographs from stars such as Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso.

Bermúdez and captain Irene Paredes later attended a pre-match press conference at La Rosaleda, with the new coach promising that her team would “keep building on success with the same hunger”.

When the match began on Friday night, there was a roaring atmosphere. The stadium was dressed in bright red with DJs energizing the crowd prior to the match. This was only the second occasion in history that the Spanish women’s team has played there.

Before kick-off, Bonmatí presented her third consecutive Ballon d’Or to the Malaga crowd, while her Barcelona teammate Vicky López showed off the Kopa Trophy awarded to the world’s best under-21 player.

Quick start

Spain was confident from the start, pushing Sweden back and advancing quickly through midfield. The breakthrough came early, when Putellas curled a stunning left-footed free kick into the top corner after Fridolina Rolfö fouled Mariona Caldentey.

Spain remains on top despite a penalty that could have been awarded for a foul committed by Salma Paralluelo being overturned because of offside.

With Paralluelo forced off injured soon after, Bermúdez brought on Claudia Pina – and the substitution proved decisive. Ona batlle had done a great job in assisting the Barcelona forward to score at the far post.

Alexia scored again three minutes later, this time reacting quickly to the rebound of Pina’s header off the crossbar. She made it 3-0 just before half-time, and overtook Vero Boquete to become Spain’s second highest all-time goal scorer, with 39 goals. However, she is still behind Jenni’s 57.

Strong finish

After the break, Sweden improved, pressing harder and creating more opportunities, but Spain remained calm. Bermúdez rotated her attack, with Alba Redondo and Eva Navarro coming on for fresh legs, and the crowd erupted when Hermoso entered in the 88th minute to make her long-awaited return.

Spain finished strong, testing Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk a few times before sealing their victory in stoppage-time. Pina, the impressive player off the bench, finished her performance with an accurate finish into the far right corner, making it 4-0. She was awarded the Player of the Match award.

The crowd celebrated the historic moment with chants, waves and cheers when the final whistle was blown.

Spain is now on track to defend its Nations League title with a four goal cushion before Monday’s second leg in Gothenburg.