As the match approached the final minutes and tension increased in the Fritz-Walter Stadium, Kata Cole’s intervention prevented the Spanish goal from falling in a one-on-one match against Chiquera Martinez. This action symbolized the resistance of the Spanish national team in the face of Germany’s repeated offensive attempts, making the score 0-0 and postponing the Women’s Nations League semi-final to the second leg in Madrid. According to what was reported by Europa Press, the match itself was distinguished by the outstanding performance of the goalkeeper and the defensive stability of the visiting team.
During the first minutes, German attacking pressure helped set the pace of the match. According to Europa Press, Bayern Munich striker Clara Buhl led the first serious attacks. Kata Cole responded confidently with the first shot, and soon after Irene Paredes blocked the home goal by clearing a ball wide of the goal line. Throughout the first half hour, the Spanish team was crammed into its stadium, and showed difficulties in creating play due to German pressure. Midfielders Aitana Bonmatti and Alexia Putellas were unable to communicate clearly, and the German goal threat options were scarce.
After the first quarter of the match, Germany increased the pressure on the Spanish defensive zone. Europe Press detailed how Pohl passed full-back Una Patel, who sent a dangerous cross that was blocked by Cole. Later, Franziska Kit forced the Spanish goalkeeper to intervene by stretching to block a shot with his left foot. In a subsequent sequence, Cole blocked Bohl’s shot from close range, preserving the tie. According to the media, Germany maintained the siege and a powerful shot from Brand tested the visitor’s defense again, and was cleared from under the sticks by Paredes.
The Spanish defense was challenged by constant German arrivals, while transitions to avoid counter-attacks and physical recovery work played a central role. The only clear approach for Spain in the first half came from Esther Gonzalez: her shot hit the post, which could have changed the dynamics of the match. Europa Press highlighted that after the break, the players, led by Sonia Bermudez, were able to improve their ball control and offensive presence.
After the start of the second half, Putellas searched for the goal in vain, first with a deflected shot and then with a left-footed shot that hit the post defended by Berger. The closest moment to scoring for Spain came in the 52nd minute, when Esther Gonzalez reached a header that hit the crossbar. This opportunity reflected Spanish growth compared to the first part, although the German reaction did not take long to arrive.
According to what was reported by Europa Press, Germany responded to the pressure and Janina Ming almost shot the ball after a dangerous cross. Sjoicki Noskin, on a corner kick, headed over the goal. In the following minutes, Bohl threatened Cole’s goal again, hitting the post with another shot. Later, Brand shot again, and the crossbar prevented the German team from opening the scoring.
The atmosphere in the stadium remained exciting during the last minutes, as the fans of the home team put pressure on the German team. Spain chose a conservative strategy in this section, prioritizing defensive security in the face of the threat of counterattacks and German initiative. According to Europa Press, the goalless draw was in favor of the Spanish team due to evidence of local dominance during several stages of the match.
Already in extra time, VAR intervened after a game in which a penalty could have been awarded against Paredes, although the review ruled out the violation. The Spanish team resisted the pressure until the final whistle, highlighting Cole’s work in another decisive intervention against Shakira Martinez, to ensure that the final result remained unchanged.
The report published by Europa Press indicated that defensive performance and the performance of the goalkeeper formed the focus of the Spanish strategy to contain Germany. Thus, the draw leaves the key result open, which will be decided at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
In terms of the lineup, Europa Press lists Berger in goal for Germany, with Djohn, Knaack, Ming, Kit, Brand, Sens (replaced by Hendrich in the 92nd minute), Nosken, Pohl, Searcy (replaced by Allara in the 69th minute) and Aniomi (rested by Martinez in the 73rd minute) making up the rest of the starting lineup. On the Spanish side, Cole scored the goal. Batlle, Paredes, Leon (Mendes came on in the 77th minute), Carmona, Bonmatti (del Castillo in the 77th minute), Alexandre, Botelas, Caldente, Gonzalez (Emadi in the 86th minute) and Pena (Navarro in the 63rd minute) completed the line-up.
In the discipline zone, Romanian referee Iliana Dimitrescu showed the yellow card to Brand in the 69th minute for Germany, and to Alexandre in the 18th minute for Spain, as documented by Europa Press. The atmosphere at the Fritz Walter Stadium reflected anticipation for a decisive match that did not find a winner, which raised tension towards the scheduled confrontation in Madrid, where the team that qualifies for the Women’s Nations League final will be determined.