Spain defeat sees England end UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign as runners-up | OneFootball

England have ended their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign as group runners-up after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Barcelona this evening.

Alessia Russo’s first half goal gave the Lionesses the lead but a Clàudia Pina double in the second half secured victory for world champions Spain.

Spain started brightly and they were unlucky not to be ahead after three minutes. Esther González took aim at goal but England keeper Hannah Hampton was able to block the shot.

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half and it was England who struck first. Salma Paralluelo thought that she had been fouled but the referee allowed play to continue. Keira Walsh played the ball through to Russo and she expertly picked out the far corner of the Spanish net.

The hosts then thought that they should have had a penalty when Niamh Charles handled the ball from a cross before Leah Williamson tested Cata Coll at the other end.

Spain continued to search for an equaliser but Esther looped a shot over before Patricia Guijarro fired wide.

The England goal was under threat again early in the second half but both Paralluelo and Alèxia Putellas were unable to test Hampton.

Spain’s pressure finally resulted in a goal on the hour. Substitute Pina picked out the far corner of Hampton’s net. The same player then tested Hampton again but this time, she was able to block the shot.

Pina’s impact was becoming greater by the minute and she curled in a superb second goal from 25 yards to turn the game on its head.

Aitana Bonmatí and Esther went close to adding to Spain’s lead late on but the scoreline ended 2-1 as the hosts claimed the three points.

Tonight’s result means that Spain top the group and advance to the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-finals. England are group runners-up.