In the first legs of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-finals, defending champions Spain gained a clear advantage over Sweden with a 4–0 victory, while Germany defeated France 1–0. The second legs are scheduled for Tuesday.
Germany 1–0 France
In Düsseldorf, the German national team, weakened by Lena Oberdorf’s injury and the suspension of Janina Minge, was forced to make several adjustments in midfield and defense. Camilla Küver made her senior debut, while Stina Johannes started in goal in place of Ann-Katrin Berger.
The match was intense from the beginning, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin denied Germany on multiple occasions, while at the other end Johannes stopped dangerous attempts from Delphine Cascarino and Kadidiatou Diani.
The decisive moment came eleven minutes before full time, when Klara Bühl unleashed a precise, powerful shot from outside the penalty area to secure a deserved win for Germany. The hosts could have scored more, but their finishing lacked efficiency. Germany will travel to Caen for the second leg with a one-goal advantage.
Player of the Match: Klara Bühl
“We created many chances today. I knew I would get one more opportunity. I took it — and I’m happy I could help the team,” said the match-winner.
Spain 4–0 Sweden
In Málaga, the crowd witnessed a dominant performance from the reigning European champions. The team, now led by Sonia Bermúdez, displayed fast, controlling football, consistently breaking through the Swedish defense.
In the 13th minute, Alexia Putellas opened the scoring with a brilliantly placed free-kick. Soon after, Salma Paralluelo was forced off with an injury, but her substitute Clàudia Pina scored just minutes after coming on, finishing confidently after receiving a pass from Ona Batlle.
Before halftime, Putellas scored again, reacting quickest to rebound a Pina shot that had struck the crossbar. In stoppage time, Pina added her second of the night, curling the ball into the far corner to make it 4–0.
Player of the Match: Clàudia Pina
“It’s a good result, but the second leg will be very intense. We can’t lose focus,” Putellas emphasized after the match.
Sweden tried to respond in the second half, but lacked precision and was unable to find a solution against Spain’s fluid midfield control.
Second Leg Fixtures (Tuesday, October 28)
- Sweden vs Spain, 19:00 (Gothenburg)
- France vs Germany, 21:10 (Caen)
The winners will meet in the final scheduled for late November and early December.
