Kaiserslautern, Germany – In a tightly contested first leg of the Women's Nations League final, Spain and Germany played to a 0-0 draw on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern. Spain's goalkeeper, Cata Coll, delivered a stellar performance, denying Germany's persistent attacks and ensuring the final remains balanced heading into the second leg in Madrid.
Germany dominated the match, particularly in the first half, but they failed to convert their numerous chances into goals. With a home crowd of 40,000 spectators, Germany pressed high, disrupting Spain's usual possession-based game. The Spanish team, typically known for their control and fluidity, struggled to maintain possession under the intense German pressure.
Coll was called into action early, deflecting shots from Franziska Kett and Klara Bühl. Around the half-hour mark, defender Irene Paredes cleared a goal-bound strike from Jule Brand, further highlighting Germany's attacking threat. Germany came into the match seeking revenge after Spain eliminated them from the Euro 2025 semi-finals in Switzerland in July.
Spain improved in the second half, creating some opportunities of their own. Alexia Putellas curled a shot just past the post, and Esther González volleyed a cross off the woodwork in the 53rd minute. Despite these chances, Germany continued to pose a threat. Bühl hit the post in the 70th minute, and a cross from Brand clipped the top of the bar moments later. In stoppage time, Coll was alert to dash from her box and clear the danger from Sjoeke Nuesken.
Germany had 19 attempts on goal, but Spain's defense, led by Coll, held firm. Coll made a double save from Anyomi and Knaak in the 33rd minute. Spain's first ever victory over Germany came at the 2025 European Championship semifinals where Aitana Bonmatí scored in extra time.
"The result is positive and we will see them again in the Metropolitano (Stadium),” Coll said. “This is Germany. We knew they would be dangerous and have their chances. Fortunately, they didn't put them in". Germany defender Janina Minge acknowledged her team's strong performance, stating, "Everyone who saw today's match knows that we didn't just keep up but played really well,”. Minge added, "If we can convert our chances and keep defending as we did we can get the win on Tuesday”.
The second leg will be played on Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Spain has reached the finals of the last four major tournaments. They beat England in the 2023 Women's World Cup and bettered France in the 2024 Women's Nations League. They fell to England on penalties in the Euros 2025 final. The upcoming match promises to be a decisive battle for the title.
