Reigning champions Spain and Germany played to a goalless draw in the first leg of the Women’s Nations League final, setting the stage for a decisive second encounter, while France secured a dramatic late victory over Sweden in their third-place playoff.
The highly anticipated final, played at Fritz Walter Stadion in Kaiserslautern, Germany, saw neither side able to break the deadlock across 90 minutes. Spain, who won the inaugural 2023/24 edition of the tournament, faced a resolute German defense.
Meanwhile, in Reims, France claimed a 2-1 win against Sweden in the first leg of the third-place decider. Sakina Karchaoui put the French ahead with a penalty kick in stoppage time of the first half (43+3 minutes).
Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius equalized in the 67th minute, seemingly heading the match towards a draw. However, Mbock netted a winning goal for France in the dying moments of the game (90+6 minutes).
The second leg of the final is scheduled for Tuesday in Madrid, where the winner of the Women’s Nations League will be crowned. On the same day, France and Sweden will face each other again in Stockholm to determine the bronze medalist.