Nations League Final Sets Stage for Euro 2025 Rematch
Four months after their dramatic Euro 2025 semi-final encounter, Spain and Germany are poised to renew hostilities in the UEFA Women's Nations League final. The memory of that summer evening in Zürich remains vivid, when Aitana Bonmatí's 113th-minute goal secured Spain's first-ever victory over Germany and propelled them to their maiden European Championship final.
Now, under significantly different circumstances, Christian Wück's German side have the opportunity for redemption as they face the reigning Nations League holders in a two-legged final that concludes this fortnight. While the trophy may carry less prestige than the European Championship, the competitive fire between these footballing giants burns just as intensely.
Germany's Resurgence Under Wück
The context surrounding this clash has shifted considerably since their last meeting. Germany appear to have found their footing under coach Christian Wück after several years of inconsistency at the highest level. Their journey to this final signals a potential turning point for a team that suffered a humiliating group-stage exit at the last World Cup.
Germany's transformation became evident during their resilient quarter-final victory over France this summer, demonstrating the first signs of becoming a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individuals. They maintained this momentum through the Nations League group stage, remaining unbeaten in six matches and winning five to secure their place in the knockout phase.
Team news brings mixed fortunes for Germany. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has returned to the squad after missing the semi-finals through injury, though her arrival was slightly delayed due to celebrations with Gotham FC following their NWSL Championship win. Defenders Rebecca Knaak and Sarai Linder also return, but the team suffers a significant blow with striker Lea Schüller ruled out for family reasons, replaced by Linda Dallmann.
Spain's New Era Under Bermúdez
Meanwhile, Spain embark on a new chapter under manager Sonia Bermúdez, who began her tenure in October with an emphatic victory over Sweden. The 41-year-old coach inherits a team still processing the disappointment of their Euro 2025 final defeat, but blessed with a clear playing philosophy and exceptional individual talent.
Spain's path to the Nations League final saw them overcome England on the final group stage day before dismantling Sweden in the semi-finals. However, they face a significant absence in midfield where Patri Guijarro remains sidelined with a stress fracture in her right foot sustained in October.
Laia Aleixandri has filled the void for both club and country, though she offers a different skillset to the influential Guijarro. Bermúdez has selected nine forwards in her squad, joking about her former striker instincts: "As a former striker myself, maybe one day I'll call up all 25." Newcomer Edna Imade from Real Sociedad joins returning attacker Athenea del Castillo in the offensive ranks.
Tactical Battle: Possession vs Counter-Attack
The tactical approaches are expected to mirror their Euro 2025 encounter closely. Spain will likely dominate possession while Germany focuses on defensive solidity and lethal counter-attacks.
Coach Wück acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It was a very close match [at Euro 2025]. We have to assume that we have little possession of the ball again. We want to make the spaces narrow and then play them along. We have to be consistent and aggressive, both defensively and offensively."
The midfield battle promises to be decisive. Germany's probable double pivot of Sjoeke Nüsken and Elisa Senß will need to be at their absolute best against Spain's dynamic duo of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, whose rotational movement and ability to create overloads can dismantle even the most organised defences.
Germany's most promising opportunities may emerge during transitions, targeting Spain's high defensive line and relatively slow central defenders. This vulnerability was exposed by Chelsea against Barcelona in the Champions League, a defence that includes three Spanish internationals.
The in-form Klara Bühl could prove particularly dangerous on the break. The Bayern Munich attacker has registered four goals and ten assists in the Frauen Bundesliga this season, and her second-half destruction of Arsenal in European competition demonstrated precisely how she can punish such defensive setups.
Two-Legged Final Adds Strategic Dimension
The unusual two-legged format introduces an additional strategic layer to this final showdown. Both managers must consider pacing and result management across 180 minutes of football rather than the single-match drama of tournament knockout football.
Nevertheless, Spain hold a significant advantage as they prepare to host the decisive second leg at Madrid's Estadio Metropolitano, where a partisan home crowd will roar them on as they pursue back-to-back trophies.
This Nations League final represents more than just silverware—it's a measure of progress for Germany under their new coach and a test of Spain's resilience following their European Championship heartbreak. With world-class talent on both sides and tactical intrigue throughout, football fans are guaranteed a compelling contest between two European powerhouses.
