Spain hurting without Bonmatí before Nations League final

The Spanish women's team plays Germany in Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday night aiming to retain the UEFA Nations League title it won at the start of 2024 in Seville, but they will have to do so without star player Aitana Bonmati.

Aitana Bonmati (2nd R) of Spain breaks through during the round of 16 match between Switzerland and Spain at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

Balon d'Or winner Bonmati broke her leg in Sunday's training session - an injury that will keep her out of action for a considerable period and which robs both Spain and FC Barcelona of her special talent.

Friday's first leg of the Nations League final saw tension between German coach Christian Wuck and his Spanish counterpart, Sonia Bermudez after the final whistle, which probably reflected the frustration of the German after his side failed to win a game in which it had twice as many chances as the Spanish.

The Spanish rode their luck and had goalkeeper Cata Coll to thank for several impressive saves as they clung on for a 0-0 draw in Germany on Friday, but they now have the advantage of playing in front of their home support, with over 50,000 expected to cheer them on in an early evening kick-off in the Spanish capital.

The rivalry between Spain and Germany goes back to the summer's European Championships, where an extra-time goal from Bonmati booked Spain's ticket into the final, where the side (that was then coached by Montse Tome) lost to England on penalties.

Bermudez hasn't changed much from Tome's style of play although she has brought Jenni Hermoso and Mapi Leon back into the international fold, although Hermoso didn't play in Germany on Friday.

The Spanish will also miss the presence of Patri Guijarro in the midfield holding role with a broken bone in her foot, but will hope playmaker, Alexia Putellas is able to produce more than on Friday.

Without the injured Bonmati, Mariona Carmona will also need and other Spanish players, such as Claudia Pina need to overcome the physical challenge posed by a powerful German side.