Spain retaliates against Japan, expressing optimism in Butarque just days before the European Championship
The Spanish national team's triumphant victory over Japan in a friendly match at Estadio de Butarque, Leganés (Madrid) on Friday not only echoed revenge for their 2023 World Cup title near-miss, but also sent excitement rippling through Spain days before the Women's Euro in Switzerland.
The day was marked by a bitter pill to swallow as Aitana Bonmatí was stricken with viral meningitis, causing her hospitalization. Despite Lucía García's participation, who hadn't trained the day prior due to discomfort, the team buzzed with the familiar Barcelona DNA. Alexia Putellas took over the captain's role, flanked by Patri Guijarro and Vicky López.
Broken records? Not a chance! Montse Tomé was determined to ensure the team remained invincible, especially against Japan, a team that caused their only 'hiccup' in the 2023 World Cup journey. Japan applied a low block defense and fast counterattacks, keeping Spain's defense on their toes, allowing only few shots in the first half.
Japan's unexpected 0-1 lead (31') sent shockwaves through the crowd, but Claudia Pina's well-timed equalizer (44') turned the tide, her seventh goal since returning to the national team.
Second-half dance Spain started the second half with fresh blood, Esther González replacing Redondo and Jana Fernández replacing Ona. The team adjusted their strategy, continuously pressing high and seeking to puncture Japan’s defense. Vicky López almost scored, followed by a 4% increase in Spain's possession due to high-pressure tactics to avoid counterattacks.
A crucial tactical shift led to Vicky López's game-winning goal (66') before Japan added a consolation goal, Tanaka's only shot of the match (over 70'). Mariona attempted a direct free kick in the 80', striking the crossbar.The match saw emerging talent shine, such as Arsenal's winger who won the Champions League, despite Esther, Athenea del Castillo, and Salma Paralluelo gracing the field.
Athenea del Castillo's moment of glory The match ended with an outstanding goal from Athenea del Castillo (88'), putting Spain ahead 3-1, proving that despite the absence of Aitana Bonmatí, Spain's squad is abundant with talent.
Technical sheet
3 - Spain: Cata Coll; Ona Batlle (Jana Fernández, m.46), María Méndez, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona (Leila Ouahabi, m.77); Mariona Caldentey, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas (Aranbarri, m.85); Vicky López (Athenea del Castillo, m.67), Alba Redondo (Esther González, m.46), Claudia Pina (Salma Paralluelo, m.76).
1 - Japan: Yamashita; Kumagai (Minami, m.62), Moriya, Koga, Kitagawa (Takarada, m.20); Miyazaga (Tanikawa, m.62), Miura (Nagano, m.46), Matsukubo, Hamano (Momiki, m.62), Fujino (Sugita, m.46); Tanaka.
Goals: 0-1, m.30: Tanaka. 1-1, m.44: Claudia Pina. 2-1, m.66: Vicky López. 3-1, m.88: Athenea del Castillo.
Referees: Milica Milovanovic, Aleksandra Kostic, and Marijana Vicentijevic did not show any cards.
Incidents: The match corresponded to the friendly between Spain and Japan played at the Estadio de Butarque, Leganés.
Despite Aitana Bonmatí's absence due to a hospitalization for viral meningitis, the Spanish national team displayed a powerful performance, showcasing their team spirit. With the Euros fast approaching, it remains to be seen how they will perform without their star player.
- The Spanish national team's impressive performance against Japan, culminating in a 3-1 victory, showcased the depth of their football talent, even in the absence of average players like Aitana Bonmatí due to unfortunate circumstances.
- In the European-leagues landscape, Spain's football dominance was once again evident as they outplayed Japan in their friendly match, with key contributors like Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, and Vicky López, all hailing from the famed Barcelona football academy.
