Even without Bonmati, Spain still show why they are best in the world

"For many teams, losing a three-time, reigning Ballon d'Or winner two days before a major final might be too much to cope with. But not for Spain. Their talent pool runs deep, with more emerging all the time, and in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Germany in their second leg of the UEFA Women's Nations League final, two more stars, goalscorers Clàudia Piña and Vicky López, were crowned."

"Then, in the 61st minute, Piña's confident, low drive found the back of the net; the shot was too strong for keeper Ann-Katrin Berger's glove to keep it out. As Piña sprinted off for an ecstatic, knee-sliding celebration, before being mobbed by teammates, the feeling at the Metropolitano was of relief, as well as joy."

"For over an hour, the 55,843 crowd at the Metropolitano -- a record attendance for Spain's women's team -- had to wait. Perhaps some began to wonder if the presence of Aitana Bonmatí, absent with a broken leg suffered in Sunday's training, might have made the difference. There had been no goals in 90 minutes in Friday's first leg in Kaiserslautern, and no goals here in Madrid. Spain were playing well, consistently creating chances, but lacking the kind of poise, vision and cool-headed end product which Bonmatí specializes in."

Spain won the UEFA Women's Nations League final second leg 3-0 over Germany at the Metropolitano, with goals from Clàudia Piña and Vicky López. A crowd of 55,843 set a record attendance for Spain's women's team. Aitana Bonmatí missed the match after suffering a broken leg in training, but Spain's deep talent pool supplied effective replacements. Spain created numerous chances, including nine first-half shots, and finally broke through when Piña scored in the 61st minute. López added a goal seven minutes later as Spain asserted their status as world champions and reigning Nations League winners.

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