Spain women’s football reached new heights in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League, clinching a second consecutive title with a commanding display against Germany in the UWNL Final. At Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano, a record-breaking crowd of over 55,000 witnessed Sonia Bermúdez’s side dismantle their rivals 3-0 in the second leg, securing a 3-0 aggregate victory. This success not only solidified Spain’s dominance in European women’s football but also capped a year of resilience, blending seasoned stars with emerging talents to overcome challenges and defend their crown.
Spain’s campaign began in League A Group 3, where they faced England, Belgium, and Portugal in a competitive pool. Under then-coach Montse Tomé, they kicked off with a hard-fought 3-2 home win over Belgium on February 21, showcasing their attacking flair but also exposing early defensive vulnerabilities. Just five days later, a 1-0 defeat to England at Wembley marked their only loss of the tournament, a setback that highlighted the need for sharper finishing against top opposition. Undeterred, Spain bounced back emphatically, thrashing Portugal 4-2 away on April 4 and following up with a 7-1 demolition at home four days later. May brought another convincing victory, 5-1 in Belgium, before they sealed top spot with a 2-1 revenge win over England on June 3, where Clàudia Pina’s double proved pivotal. Finishing with five wins and one loss, Spain amassed 15 points, scoring 21 goals while conceding just eight, earning a spot in the Nations League semi-finals and underlining their blend of offensive potency and growing maturity.
The knockout stages saw a coaching transition, with Bermúdez stepping in after Spain’s penalty shootout loss to England in the Women’s EURO 2025 final. Her tenure started strongly in the semi-finals against Sweden. The first leg at La Rosaleda in Málaga on October 24 ended in a resounding 4-0 win, with Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina each bagging braces to set a commanding tone. Four days later in Gothenburg, Putellas added another goal in a 1-0 victory, completing a 5-0 aggregate triumph. The return of veterans like Mapi León and Jenni Hermoso bolstered the squad, providing leadership and depth that proved crucial in these ties. Spain’s ability to control possession and exploit transitions left Sweden chasing shadows, extending their dominant run into the final.
The UWNL Final against Germany promised a stern test, pitting the world champions against a resurgent side eager for revenge after their EURO semi-final defeat. The first leg on November 28 at Kaiserslautern’s Fritz-Walter-Stadion was a tense affair, ending 0-0 despite Germany’s dominance in shots and possession. Goalkeeper Cata Coll shone with key saves, including denying Jule Brand, while Spain struck the post but struggled to convert chances. Tragedy struck between the legs when star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí suffered a broken leg in training, sidelining her for months. Yet, Spain adapted seamlessly, with young Vicky López stepping up. In the second leg at Metropolitan Stadium on December 2, Spain started brightly, creating openings in a goalless first half. The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Mariona Caldentey’s clever play set up Pina for a low finish. López then curled in a stunning second, before Pina intercepted and rifled home a third from distance in a blistering 14-minute spell. The 3-0 win not only retained the title but also marked Spain’s first-ever home clean sheet against Germany, watched by a record 55,843 fans.
Tactically, Spain’s strengths lay in their fluid possession-based style, high pressing, and quick interchanges that overwhelmed opponents. Bermúdez emphasized compact defending, allowing a clean sheet across the finals while scoring 8. Midfield control from Putellas and Bonmatí (pre-injury) facilitated rapid counters, with wide players like Caldentey providing creativity. Attacking patterns focused on overloads and individual brilliance, as seen in Pina’s eight goals overall, tying her as the joint-top scorer. Weaknesses were minimal, though the early group loss to England exposed occasional lapses in concentration under pressure. In the final, Spain’s second-half surge demonstrated adaptability, turning a balanced contest into a rout through clinical finishing and midfield dominance
This back-to-back UWNL triumph cements Spain women’s football as the continent’s powerhouse, adding to their 2023 World Cup and inaugural Nations League wins. It signals a golden era, bridging generations with talents like López emerging alongside icons like Putellas. The campaign rebuilds momentum post-EURO disappointment, positioning Spain favorably for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Media praised their resilience and flair, while fans celebrated the record crowds as a boost for the sport’s growth. Players and staff highlighted the team’s unity and home support as key to overcoming adversity. Spain’s 2025 UWNL odyssey was a masterclass in perseverance, dominant from start to finish, champions once more.
