The struggle felt global, stretching beyond the arena. A message from a match resonated across Europe and the world, turning an athletic contest into a statement. Spain’s dramatic 3-2 win reverberated far beyond the scoreboard. Players from both the Swedish and Spanish squads stood together in support of Jenni Hermoso during the Nations League opener, unfurling a banner that challenged the treatment of women’s football. The Reds’ fight became a shared mission that crossed borders and flags, with no single color defining the cause.
Relating to
- Alexia and Paredes regained leadership as captains of the national team
- Alexia and Paredes: “We couldn’t just be football players”
- Montse Tomé on her future with the role: “I have confidence”
united for the fight
The match itself centered on a clear purpose. Swedish fans carried banners reading “We stand with Jenni and La Roja.” Supporters applauded as players warmed up, and Spanish internationals wore wristbands and raised fists in the official photo, a powerful display of unity that echoed beyond the stadium.
“SeAcabó” becomes a global cry
When the ball finally rolled, focus stayed on the action. The Spaniards arrived battle-worn, traveling recently and meeting in long sessions with limited training time. “We are professionals and we will give everything.”
Montse Tomé picked an 11 that embraced the staff from the opening whistle, even with injuries. Alba Redondo stood out and joined teammates who had previously played in a World Cup final. A trio of forwards linked with the midfield, and defenders pressed high to start from the back. The team chased rhythm, finishing, and balance as the minutes unfolded.
It marked the moment the national anthem sounded again on the Gamla Ullevi lawn.
@La1_tve
1 0-0 4′ #PlayFightAndWin Hey #UWNL
— Spanish Women’s Football Team (@SEFutbolFem) September 22, 2023
Each with their own cards
Sweden began with sharp, rehearsed possession, aiming to unsettle the Spanish back line. Blackstenius wore the second blue jersey to surprise the defense but could not clear the wall; Paredes advanced the ball to a teammate on the left, where Aleixandri gathered it. Both sides opened with intent, yet Spain sought control through patient build-up and ball circulation. Alexia Putellas stirred the crowd at Ullevi, while Aitana Bonmatí and Athenea del Castillo repeatedly created chances that Musovic frustrated. The finishing touch eluded La Roja in the final meters.
@alexiaputellas
@La1_tve
1-1 43′ #PlayFightAndWin Hey #UWNL
— Spanish Women’s Football Team (@SEFutbolFem) September 22, 2023
Eriksson… And Athenea
Sweden shifted to rapid counter-attacks, using pace on the wings and set pieces as a weapon. The opener came from a corner, finished by Eriksson. Spain answered quickly after the break, with Athenea firing from the edge and Musovic mishandling the rebound, allowing Alexia to celebrate with the group. The half closed in a frantic sequence as Sweden denied a second for Spain, thanks to a crucial save by the Swedish goalkeeper.
Summer (@atheneea_10) added a moment on the scoreboard as the tension mounted.
@La1_tve
1-1 38′ #PlayFightAndWin Hey #UWNL
— Spanish Women’s Football Team (@SEFutbolFem) September 22, 2023
Alexia has grown, La Roja has grown
The second half showed Spain expanding its dominance. Aitana Bonmatí and Athenea pressed higher, with Lucy García pushing from midfield and firing dangerous shots. Alexia Putellas, returning from injury, anchored the build-up with precise passes that sliced through Swedish lines. Mollet added tempo with incisive through-balls that created spaces, while the defense stayed organized and brave, denying the visitors control. This surge mirrored a peak performance for the Spanish captain as Barcelona’s influence on the field became clearer.
The squad’s unity shone through celebrations and collective drive, sending a clear message: Spain aims to compete at the highest level and to lift each other along the journey.
Montse Tomé: “All I needed was for them to let us work.”
Victory ‘in extreme’
Sweden pressed late, attacking the box with relentless energy. Central defenders Walls and Aleixandri held firm, and Spain absorbed pressure before launching counters. Eva Navarro entered and delivered the decisive moment, driving a left-footed strike that put Spain ahead. The stadium roared as the forward celebrated with teammates and the crowd. The tactical duel continued as Navarro’s goal sparked a late surge from Sweden, who equalized just before the final whistle through Hurtig. Then came a decisive moment: a stoppage-time penalty converted by Mariona Caldentey, sealing a memorable 2-3 win for Spain.
@evaaanavarro
He walked in and…
@La1_tve
1-2 79′ #PlayFightAndWin Hey #UWNL
— Spanish Women’s Football Team (@SEFutbolFem) September 22, 2023
As in the World Cup semi-final, Sweden found the net again through Lina Hurtig, but Spain’s resilience kept the result in their favor. Officials added time, and the result stood, granting both teams a share of the spotlight and reaffirming their rising status in the FIFA rankings. The moment celebrated not only a win but a declaration of intent for women’s football on the international stage.
Data sheet
2- Sweden: Musovic, Bjorn (Sembrant, min.65), Eriksson, Ilestedt, Andersson; Angeldal (Benisson, min.65), Asllani (Janegy, min.78), Rubensson; Kaneryd (Jakobsson, min.65), Blackstenius and Hurtig.
3- Spain: Cata Coll; Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona; Aitana Bonmatí, Tere Abelleira, Alexia Putellas; Athenea del Castillo (Eva Navarro, min.71), Lucía García (Amaiur Sarriegi, min.79) and Mariona Caldentey.
–Goals: 1-0, 23rd minute. Eriksson. 1-1, minute 37. Athenea del Castillo. 1-2, minute 77. Eva Navarro. 2-2, minute 82. Hurtig. 2-3, minute 96. Mariona Caldentey, penalty.
–Judge: Rebecca Welch (ENG). He warned Kaneryd (min.59) for Sweden and Lucía García (min.60) for Spain. He sent off Ilestedt with a direct red card (at least 95).
–Stadium: Gamla Ullevi.