Aitana Bonmatí Reflects on Spain’s Evolution
Aitana Bonmatí, the talented midfielder of the Spanish national team, reflects on an important evolution within her squad following their defeat to England in the Euro 2022 quarterfinals. This Tuesday, both teams will face off once again, this time in a critical match for a spot in the UEFA Women’s Nations League final four.
Spain holds a slight edge over England, leading League A Group 3 by two points ahead of their showdown at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Spain’s Growth Since the Last Encounter
Since their last encounter three years ago, where England emerged victorious, Spain has experienced significant growth, particularly highlighted by their triumph in the 2023 World Cup.
“In that quarterfinal, we felt we deserved more, as we played well but ultimately lost,”
Bonmatí shared in her conversation with ESPN.
“That defeat motivated us to push ourselves further, leading us to victories in both the World Cup and the Nations League.”
She emphasized that Spain has always possessed the required talent and technical skills; however, they have now improved physically to compete alongside powerhouse teams like England and the USA.
High Stakes for Tuesday’s Match
The stakes are high for Tuesday’s match, where Spain needs only a draw to advance to the semifinals, whereas England must secure a victory to top the group. Both teams are not just vying for short-term success; they are also looking ahead to this summer’s Euros in Switzerland, which features Spain as one of the favorites following their World Cup success and England with their recent European Championship victory.
Bonmatí’s Pursuit of the Euros
For Bonmatí, claiming the Euros is the primary goal for the national team this year, especially since it is one of the few titles that eludes them at the senior level.
“Winning the Euros would mean a lot to me personally, as I have achieved it at the youth level, but not yet with the senior team. It’s one of the top competitions for national teams and a trophy we truly want to hold,”
she stated, expressing determination to give everything for this ambition.
Club-Level Challenges and Aspirations
As Spain’s pursuit of the Euros aligns with Bonmatí’s personal aspirations, a successful tournament run could also bolster her candidacy for a third consecutive Ballon d’Or win. Before Bonmatí took home the prestigious award twice, her teammate Alexia Putellas had secured it twice as well, underscoring Barcelona’s dominance in the women’s game.
“It would be an incredible accomplishment if the Ballon d’Or remains at our club,”
Bonmatí remarked, highlighting her belief that they boast some of the world’s best players.
At the club level, Bonmatí’s season has had its challenges, particularly after Barça fell to Arsenal in the Champions League final. Nevertheless, the team secured victories in Liga F and the Spanish Supercopa, with a Copa de la Reina final against Atlético Madrid on the horizon.
