Spain Flips the Script: Wild Finish Stuns Belgium
This was no ordinary group-stage match. Spain pulled off one of the wildest reversals in recent UEFA Women's Nations League memory in Valencia, battling back from a two-goal deficit with barely 20 minutes left to play. What looked like a straightforward Belgian win suddenly became a Spanish celebration, with the hosts scoring not once, but three times, including two goals in added time, to snatch the game 3-2 and tighten their grip on the top of Group A1.
Belgium had every reason to feel confident early on. They got off to the perfect start, pouncing on a rare Spanish mix-up. Mariam Toloba was quickest to react and slotted home, putting Spain on the back foot. If Spain were rattled, things only got worse after the break. Tessa Wullaert—who has been the heartbeat of Belgium in this competition—finished off a slick move in the 67th minute. At 2-0 up, the Belgian bench could practically taste the points.
But this Spanish team, full of character and attacking firepower, had other ideas. Clàudia Pina—a name that keeps popping up in important moments for Spain—halved the deficit with a composed finish in the 72nd minute. Suddenly, Belgium were jittery. Spain poured forward, throwing everything at the Belgian goal as the clock ticked down. The equalizer came right at the edge of 90 minutes, when Lucía García drilled a low shot into the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
With Belgium reeling and barely hanging on, Spain weren't done. Deep into stoppage time, Cristina Martín-Prieto popped up in the box to score the winner. Three goals in less than twenty minutes, with the last two after regulation time had ended. That's a finish fans in Valencia won't forget for a long time.
Spain's Stars Step Up as Group Table Tightens
This result does more than boost morale—it cements Spain's status as group leaders with nine points from four games and a remarkable +8 goal difference. They've shown resilience and attacking depth, with big names like Alba Bonmatí and Alexandra Putellas orchestrating play. While neither found the scoresheet this time, their influence on the tempo and belief was obvious throughout the comeback.
Belgium, on the other hand, may be wondering where it all went wrong. They’re rooted to the bottom of Group A1 with three points, despite their strong start and Wullaert’s consistent threat—she’s now got three goals in the group. The Belgians must regroup fast if they hope to avoid an early Nations League exit.
The group’s standings now show Spain ahead, followed by England (7 points), Portugal (4), and Belgium (3). Every point matters as the last matches approach. For Spain, the comeback is more than just three points—it’s a statement of intent in this fierce inaugural Nations League campaign.
- Spain: 9 points (+8 GD)
- England: 7 points
- Portugal: 4 points
- Belgium: 3 points
Momentum is with Spain, and if their latest comeback has shown anything, it's that games really aren't over until the whistle blows. They look hungry for more, and few teams will want to face them now.