Spain Triumphs in Spirit: Victory on Field Uniting Rivals in Powerful Protest

Spain secured its first win since the scandal that rocked its soccer federation after their successful journey in the 2023 Women's World Cup. The remarkable victory against Sweden on Friday ended with a thrilling 3-2 scoreline. This triumph follows a chaotic period marked by the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, inappropriately kissing Jennifer Hermoso during the championship festivities.

During the ongoing consequences, La Roja managed to overcome Sweden in the UEFA Nations League match, securing victory in the final moments as Mariona Caldentey scored from a penalty deep into injury time.

Just this week, the national team's selection of 20 players reaffirmed their stance of declining to participate in the match against Sweden.

After crisis talks, 21 of the 23 players selected agreed to play after the federation committed to make immediate changes to its structure.

Spain players celebrate at the awards ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Spanish women's players have reached an agreement with the federation and the Spanish government, bringing an end to their boycott of the national team. Prior to the match, both teams displayed a banner with the message "Its over" (#SeAcabó), conveying their unity in the global fight for their cause.

Spanish players donned wristbands adorned with the hashtag #SeAcabó, while English and Scottish players also sported similar wristbands during their respective UEFA Nations League match on Friday. This once again highlights the unwavering solidarity among female footballers, which has been consistently demonstrated throughout this month-long controversy.

"After enduring a series of grueling days and sleepless nights, we finally engaged in the game. Despite our exhaustion, we refuse to make excuses," Athenea del Castillo expressed in a statement to Reuters.

"We arrived, displayed immense perseverance, and battled relentlessly until the very end. I am incredibly proud of our team and the tenacity with which we secured this victory."

On the pitch, Spain and Sweden clashed once again in a rematch of the Women's World Cup semifinal from the previous month. This time, it was Sweden that seized the initiative as Magdalena Eriksson expertly directed a header into the net after a well-placed corner kick.

Spain's players celebrate after winning their UEFA Nations League match against Sweden.

Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images

Spain leveled the score after 15 minutes when Del Castillo's ambitious attempt was mishandled by goalkeeper ZeĆira MuŠoviĆ, resulting in a deflection into the net.

Eva Navarro later propelled La Roja ahead with a commanding strike that flew above MuŠoviĆ's head, concluding a seamless play that had effectively dismantled the Swedish defense.

Sweden equalized when Lina Hurtig scored, but the match was not devoid of late drama. In the 94th minute, Amanda Ilestedt committed a foul on Amaiur Sarriegi, resulting in a penalty and a red card for Ilestedt, as Sarriegi was about to score.

Caldentey confidently converted the penalty, securing a win for her team.

Meanwhile, off the field, the unrest in Spanish football persisted as the RFEF made the announcement of the dismissal of their director of integrity on Friday.

No further information was provided by the RFEF on the decision.