Barca players shine to help Spain beat Portugal
Spain beat Portugal 4-2 in a thrilling game in the Nations League on Friday night.
It has been the theme of Spain’s Nations League campaign to date; they just cannot keep clean sheets.
Two goals conceded against Belgium, one against England and now two more against Portugal on Friday.
Yet, like the Belgium victory, although not as dramatic, Spain showed grit and determination to get over the line and pick up three valuable points in the first of this double-header of Iberian derbies, the second of which will be played this evening in BalaÃdos.
After defeat by England last time out, an improved attacking display and just winning no matter what were the requirements for Montse Tome’s side and they did just that.
Seven Barcelona players started for La Roja in Portugal, with an almost all-Barca front six, the only exception being Mariona Caldentey who used to play for the Spanish champions.
Irene Paredes had to settle for a place on the bench after a number of difficult moments in games recently for her country as Tome tries to address their recent defensive issues.
The midfield three of Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, the first two having returned from injury to start, certainly all made their mark. On their day, it is hard to find a better midfield trio and they demonstrated why having all three fit and firing are key to making this Spanish side tick.
Guijarro scored the opener on 25 minutes, despite Portugal creating some early chances.
It was a goal made in Catalonia as Bonmati whipped in a sumptuous cross that Guijarro met with a first time finish. That was Spain at their attacking best.
Yet, they were pegged back just two minutes later. They were caught napping at the back with both full-backs having marauded forward, leaving space in behind which Portugal exploited.
Catarina Amado was played through and rounded a rash Cata Coll, who came charging out, before firing into an empty net. A catalogue of errors that have creeped into Spain’s game in recent months.
Two quick goals before the break swung momentum in Spain’s favour as they found the ruthless streak they were lacking against England.
Another Barca player created this one as Claudia Pina delivered a pinpoint cross from the right that Laia Aleixandri headed home.
Pina then scored herself a few minutes later to stretch their lead, firing home at the second attempt after being found in the box by Barca teammate Salma Paralluelo.
Portugal got back into the game early in the second half as Jana Fernandez fouled Joana Marchão, although it looked as if it was outside the box, but without VAR the penalty was awarded which Carole Costa stroked home.
But Esther González made sure of the win by netting the fourth in the 88th minute.
The win sees them move one point behind leaders England, who they will face on home soil next month.
Whilst Spain have not yet seemed to peak, a bit of a worry with the tournament just three months away, England seem to be coming into form at the right time and their 5-0 thumping of Belgium shows the current European champions will be ready to challenge once again this summer after a difficult few months.
Spain still have tonight’s game against Portugal as well as fixtures against Belgium and the Lionesses to round off their Nations League campaign.
Depending on where they finish a Nations League semi-final will follow, more competitive games to help Spain shape up for the summer or a set of friendlies which will allow Tome to experiment and really have her preferred team settled.
Friday was a step forward and another victory tonight will help Spain get back on track, but they will be desperately hoping to start keeping clean sheets which will be an ideal platform to build on in big games in the summer.
It is clear though that having so many players from the best team in the world is aiding their cause, and so many of them delivered on Friday and will want to continue to do so going forward to enjoy as much success as they can for country as they do with Barcelona