Pina at the double as Spanish women retain UEFA Nations League title

Alsharq Tribune-Ahmed Essam 

The Spanish women's team produced an impressive display to retain the UEFA Women's Nations League title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Germany.

The win at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium followed a 0-0 draw in Germany last Friday.

Spain competed without star player Aitana Bonmati, who broke her left leg during a training session on Sunday. Aitana, who scored the winning goal in Spain's victory over Germany in this summer's European Championships, underwent surgery in Barcelona.

Despite Bonmati's absence, Spain created the better opportunities in the first half. Esther Gonzalez shot wide in the opening minute, and Alexia Putellas' header was well saved by German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Irene Paredes slipped at the wrong moment when she looked to have a free header. Mariona Caldentey was surprisingly off-target with a volley, and a later shot allowed Berger to make another save in injury time.

Germany almost took the lead on the stroke of halftime, with Nicole Anyomi pulling the ball just wide after it fell favorably from a free kick.

Claudia Pina was the key player for Spain in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Vicky Lopez, starting in place of Bonmati, doubled the lead with a wonderful curling shot after she was allowed to progress unchallenged.

With Germany losing shape, Pina scored her second goal of the game as she won the ball inside the German half, advanced to the edge of the area and fired into the top of the net with 16 minutes remaining.