Match Report: Spain V Belgium

✍️Abbie Harrington

Spain vs Belgium

February 21st, 2025

Ciutat de València- València, Spain

Belgium 2- 3 Spain

📸via NurPhoto on Getty Images

Belgium came agonisingly close to a famous victory over reigning World Champions Spain in their UEFA Women’s Nations League opener, only to be stunned by a dramatic late comeback.

Leading 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, thanks to goals from Mariam Toloba and captain Tessa Wullaert, the Red Flames were undone by three Spanish strikes—two in stoppage time—from Clàudia Pina, Lucía García, and Cristina Martín-Prieto. The 3-2 defeat in Valencia leaves Belgium rueing missed opportunities in a thrilling Group A3 clash also featuring England and Portugal.

Belgium, coached by Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, started with a clear game plan: soak up pressure and hit Spain on the break. The strategy paid dividends in the 18th minute when Mariam Toloba opened the scoring. Hannah Eurlings’ lofted pass caught Spain’s high line off guard, and Toloba raced through to slot past Cata Coll with composure.

Spain, under Montse Tomé, dominated possession but struggled to convert. Aitana Bonmatí’s long-range effort in the 25th minute was tipped over by Nicky Evrard, and Mariona Caldentey fired wide from a tight angle shortly after. Belgium’s five-woman defence, anchored by Sari Kees and Amber Tysiak, held firm, frustrating the hosts.

Spain ramped up the pressure after the break, but Belgium doubled their lead against the run of play in the 72nd minute. Justine Vanhaevermaet’s interception sparked a counter, and Tessa Wullaert finished clinically past Coll after a smart one-two with substitute Laura Deloose.

However, Spain’s response was swift and ruthless. In the 77th minute, Clàudia Pina pulled one back, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to fire home after Evrard parried a Bonmatí shot.

Belgium’s resolve began to waver as Spain poured forward, their 19 corner kicks, piling pressure on the visitors’ tiring defence.

The decisive blow came in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Lucía García equalised, heading in a pinpoint Olga Carmona cross to make it 2-2. Then, in the 96th minute, substitute Cristina Martín-Prieto delivered the killer blow, lashing a half-volley past Evrard from 12 yards after a scramble in the box. Belgium’s heads dropped as Spain celebrated a remarkable recovery.

Belgium face England at home on February 26, desperate to rebound in Group A3. Spain travel to Portugal, buoyed by their comeback but aware of defensive frailties exposed by Belgium’s counters.

Belgium will feel gutted after leading 2-0 against the world champions, only to succumb to Spain’s relentless pressure and stoppage-time heroics. The Red Flames showed they can compete with the best, but defensive lapses cost them dear. For Spain, it’s a statement of intent—imperfect, yet unyielding.