Women's Nations League: Semifinals - Finalists to Be Decided After the Second Leg
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Sweden vs. Spain: The Blue-Yellow are staring elimination in the face
- Date and Time: 28 October 2025, 19:00 (BST).
- Venue: Gamla Ullevi, Goteborg, Sweden.
Sweden can already picture themselves being eliminated from the UEFA Women's Nations League this Tuesday after their subpar showing in the first leg of the semifinals against Spain.
Tony Gustavsson and his charges made the trip to Estadio La Rosaleda in the first leg, and before the ball was even kicked, they were already labeled as underdogs and were slated for failure with the best online betting sites.
A terrible performance at its best, the Blue-Yellow failed to register a shot on target from their three attempts at goal and rarely created any clear-cut chances from open play. The outcome was a convincing 4-0 defeat.
In summary, however, it has been a memorable journey for the Scandinavians who etched their name in the history books to be where they are now for the first time in their history.
Indeed, Spain was ruthless in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Nations League semifinal. This is a team that quickly asserted its dominance by scoring three goals in the first half before Claudia Pina hammered the final nail in the coffin in the dying embers of the second half.
Check out the stats between Sweden and Spain from the first leg:
| Spain | Category | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| 1.72 | Expected Goals (xG) | 0.32 |
| 63% | Ball Possession | 37% |
| 13 | Total shots | 3 |
| 7 | Shots on target | 0 |
| 4 | Big Chances | 0 |
| 3 | Corner Kicks | 2 |
| 88% | Passes (%) | 82% |
| 0 | Yellow Cards | 4 |
| 3.29 | xG on target (xGOT) | 0.00 |
As we can see from the table above, La Roja was in full control of the game. They limited their opponents to just 0.32 expected goals (xG) and controlled 63% of ball possession. A concern in those numbers has to be their 1.72 expected goals from 13 attempts at goal. This highlights that they were forcing bad shots.
Sonia Bermudez and her charges are on the road this time, and the grueling defeat at the hands of England in the 2025 Women's European Championship final on July 27th is at the top of their thoughts. This was the last time they were seen away from home.
That shouldn't throw a spanner in the works in their bid to secure a positive result here, considering they boast a 3-2-0 record in their last five outings. Additionally, their recent outing against Sweden resulted in a 3-2 victory in the same competition. However, this was two years ago.
France vs. Germany: There's still hope for Les Bleues
- Date and Time: 28 October 2025, 21:10 (BST).
- Venue: Stade Michel d'Ornano, Caen, France.
France can count their lucky stars that they have a one-goal deficit to overturn heading into the return leg of the UEFA Women's Nations League semi-final.
Serious damage was avoided in the first leg, but it's thanks to their opponents' profligacy in the final third that they only succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. This was definitely a sigh of relief on their part.
It's unheard of for a team to breathe a sigh of relief despite suffering a setback, but when you check the stats from the opening leg, you'll understand why:
| Germany | Category | France |
|---|---|---|
| 2.74 | Expected Goals (xG) | 0.92 |
| 48% | Ball Possession | 52% |
| 19 | Total shots | 10 |
| 7 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 7 | Big Chances | 1 |
| 3 | Corner Kicks | 2 |
| 77% | Passes (%) | 79% |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 2.02 | xG on target (xGOT) | 1.59 |
The only part they excelled in was seeing 52% of the ball and having a 79% pass accuracy. Les Bleues will hope to do better this time, especially at home, where they've won three consecutive matches.
Germany entered the first leg with a psychological edge over France. Before their recent win, they had won 13 of their last 24 meetings. This includes beating their opponents 6-5 on penalties in the recently concluded UEFA Women's EURO 2025 quarter-finals.
DFB-Frauenteam can not afford to lose sight of the ball as they are now in the driving seat of reaching their first ever finals in this competition. Will the visitors be able to maintain their one-goal lead? Find out what our Sportytrader betting experts have to say in our France vs Germany prediction.
Players to watch out for
Claudia Pina (Spain) has been an influential player in the UEFA Women's Nations League. The 24-year-old has six goals and two assists to her name in this competition. She scored two goals against Sweden off the bench and will hope to get on the scoreboard here.
With 412 minutes played, Alexia Putellas (Spain) is also another player who needs special attention in this competition. She has four goals to her name and was at top of her game last time out against Sweden, bagging a brace in the first half.
Having made 70 appearances for her nation, France, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin's experience behind the sticks will be needed again if she is to see her team progress to the finals. Last time out, the 33-year-old veteran made six crucial saves to prevent any further damage.
