Spain falls short halfway through Putellas' 150th match

At the Subaru Park in Chester, under a spring sky and with 18,648 spectators packed into the stands, Spain and the United States kicked off a friendly that promised more than a simple draw. From the initial whistle, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation for Alexia Putellas's 150th match with the national team.

Putellas shines in her one‑hundred‑and‑fiftieth encounter

Alexia Putellas was the undisputed protagonist: she scored a goal in the 27th minute and provided an assist in the 86th minute, both within the 60 minutes she was on the pitch. Her pass from her own half to Salma Paralluelo broke two United States defensive lines, and later, a one‑two passing move allowed her to head the ball into the far post.

Bermúdez revamps the strategy with six changes

Coach Jorge Vilda, nicknamed Bermúdez in the story, introduced Misa Rodríguez, Oihane Hernández, Andrea Medina, Clara Pinedo and Clara Serrajordi, as well as the return of Irene Paredes to the back line. These changes aimed to strengthen pressure and coverage, and the Spanish defence maintained the tempo advantage over the North American side.

United States responds and the match ends 2‑2

The United States, led by Emma Hayes, reacted with five changes and managed to equalise thanks to Mallory Swanson, who headed the ball in the 86th minute after a move started by Michelle Cooper. VAR reviewed a possible foul by Sophia Wilson on Paredes, but no card was given.

United States claw back to force draw on Spain in Philadelphia

Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez stood firm, while United States goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce denied a one‑on‑one chance from Pinedo. Both teams displayed periods of dominance, but the Spanish pressure in the second half was more effective, albeit not enough to secure the win.

In the Spanish line‑up, besides Putellas, Salma Paralluelo, Clara Guijarro and the young Clara Serrajordi stood out, the latter receiving a measured pass before Pinedo laid it off to Putellas for the goal. The defence featured the experience of Paredes and the energy of Medina, who replaced Ornella Vignola in the 77th minute.

The crowd, which enjoyed a full house, applauded La Roja's performance, although the overall feeling was that the team deserved more than the point earned. The matchday made clear that, despite tactical adjustments, the gap between the two sides remains minimal.