La Roja’s New Era: Hermoso, León, and Bermúdez Lead Spain’s Emotional Rebirth.
A new era began for Spanish women’s football this week, and it began with tears, applause, and a 4–0 statement win.
Spain’s emphatic first-leg victory over Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-final wasn’t just another dominant performance; it was a night of reunions, redemption, and renewal under new head coach Sonia Bermúdez.
Jenni Hermoso: “I Have to Admit That I Cried”
When Jenni Hermoso began warming up on the touchline at La Rosaleda, the noise grew louder with every stride. “Jenni, Jenni!” echoed from the stands a chant that had been waiting a year to return.
Spain’s all-time leading scorer made an emotional comeback in the 87th minute, a brief five-minute cameo that carried more weight than most full matches.
“I have to admit that I cried,” Hermoso told Radio Televisión Española. “It was a moment I had waited a long time for, and I’ve worked so hard for it.”
The Tigres UANL forward, who last appeared for Spain in October 2024, was welcomed back by new manager Bermúdez after a turbulent year that saw her testify in the sexual assault trial of former federation president Luis Rubiales.
For Hermoso, the return wasn’t about minutes played; it was about closure. And for the fans, it was about hope.
Mapi León: Calm, Commanding, and Content
If Hermoso’s return was emotional, Mapi León’s was historic.
Three years after her last cap and amid deep division within Spanish football, the Barcelona defender rejoined La Roja and made her return against Sweden. Her return helped Spain record seven shots on target while limiting the Swedes to none.
“When I talked to Sonia, I liked everything I heard,” León told Sport. “I came with an open mind, with desire. I really wanted to contribute again.”
León’s left-footed precision and poise restored tactical balance to Spain’s back line, a reminder of why she remains one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders.
Sonia Bermúdez: The Calm in the Storm
Appointed in August after Montse Tomé’s departure, Sonia Bermúdez, a former striker with 63 caps and nine league titles, began her tenure in the best way possible: with a clean sheet, a commanding win, and a unified squad.
Her appointment raised eyebrows due to her lack of senior coaching experience. Still, the 40-year-old’s history with Spain’s youth system and her personal relationships with players like León have already paid dividends.
“Sometimes it’s about connection,” León said of her former teammate. “With Sonia, I feel that again.”
The Match: Spain 4–0 Sweden
Spain wasted no time asserting dominance. Alexia Putellas opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick before Clàudia Pina, replacing the injured Salma Paralluelo, struck twice. Putellas added a second, and the returning Hermoso received a hero’s ovation late on.
Spain’s control was total: seven shots on target to Sweden’s zero.
But beyond the scoreboard, it was a night that symbolised a turning point for the world champions.
“La paz volvió al fútbol femenino español,” wrote El País.
Peace has returned to Spanish women’s football.
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