Match Overview
Spain’s measured dominance proved decisive as they overcame a stubborn Sweden side to secure a place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final. Despite a tense 90 minutes, it was a moment of individual brilliance from Alexia Putellas that separated the two sides. Sweden threatened sporadically on the break, but their limited possession ultimately left them chasing shadows.
First Half
Spain asserted control from the outset, dictating tempo with 72% possession and probing Sweden’s defence through patient passing and intelligent movement. An early corner in the 10th minute signalled their intent, and just two minutes later, Mariona Caldentey came close with a close-range effort that sailed over the bar. Sweden, meanwhile, looked to hit on the break, and their best chance came in the 39th minute when Felicia Schröder forced a sharp save from Cata Coll. Spain’s methodical approach circulating possession, drawing defenders out, and exploiting space kept Sweden pinned back, but the first half ended goalless despite La Roja’s dominance.
Second Half
Spain resumed with the same control after the break, increasing their shot tally and continuing to stretch Sweden’s defensive lines. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute, when Clàudia Pina slipped a clever pass into the path of Alexia Putellas, who fired a low, precise strike from the centre of the box to beat goalkeeper Zecira Musovic and give Spain the lead. Sweden responded with urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Evelyn Ijeh came closest in the 87th minute, denied by Coll’s reflex save, and moments later Filippa Angeldahl’s long-range effort was also smothered by the Spanish keeper. Spain’s defensive discipline and game management in the closing stages ensured they held firm to book their place in the final.
Player of the Match
Alexia Putellas (Spain) merited the Player of the Match tag for her influence across the middle and for producing the winning moment
Tactical Insights
Tactically, Spain’s 4-3-3 formation allowed them to dominate the midfield and stretch Sweden’s defence through wide full-backs, while their disciplined pressing limited Sweden to just 31% possession and only one shot on target. Spain’s 555 accurate passes over the match, combined with ten total shots, four on target, and 4 corners, underscored their superiority, whereas Sweden’s 10 total shots with only one on target and limited final-third entries reflected their struggle to impose themselves.
Match Statistics
| Stats | Sweden | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 31% | 69% |
| Shots (on target) | 10 (4) | 6 (1) |
| Passes (Accurate) | 273 (194) | 650 (555) |
| Corners | 4 | 4 |
| Fouls | 13 | 5 |
With this result, Spain advance to the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between France and Germany. The final will mark another opportunity for the world champions to add silverware to their growing collection. For Sweden, the campaign ends with pride intact after pushing one of Europe’s strongest teams to the limit over two legs. Spain will now turn their focus to the UEFA Women’s Nations League Final, where they’ll look to finish the job in front of their home fans, with the decisive second leg set to be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
