Alexia Putellas was denied everything by football when her knee failed that summer of 2022 and, since then, she has been able to enjoy little, at least with the national team.. At Gamla Ullevi she shook off all the demons, those of the battle for physical recovery and the one she had to fight on behalf of all the players, starting with her friend Jenni Hermoso. Putellas, tired and mentally exhausted after a chaotic month, appeared against Sweden to lead Spain, dominate the game, even give the Swedes a pass and show that this team has a star, on the Catalan's chest and boots.
She should have worn the captain's armband, as UEFA reported, but performed the role without it. “She was the most voted in the locker room, but you know how she is and she told me to take it,” revealed Irene Paredes.. Alexia doesn't need that symbol. She took care of the football, the previous banner, which she displayed, and even hugging Athenea del Castillo after the first goal, a symbol of unity..
«Today I saw a different Alexia, she enjoyed. She is a 10 professional and, as soon as she has been able to focus on football, she has shown everything she gives us.”. These are the praises that Montse Tomé dedicated to him. The coach debuted with a victory, as unexpected as it was deserved. He hugged before and after the game with his entire staff. They know they take air. «I had a lot of confidence in myself. I just needed them to let me work. I didn't feel pressure, but rather the desire to start doing what we want: training and thinking about football.. Above all, I'm happy for them,” she said before remembering that she had asked the players several times during the match about their physical condition and clarifying that she is not Jorge Vilda, something that was visualized with the commitment to Laia Aleixandri as center back and as partner of Irene Paredes.
For the veteran player, the victory only brought out what they are. «It was not the best moment nor are we in the best conditions, but jumping onto the pitch is what frees us. “It's what we're here for and what we know how to do best, so we've enjoyed it,” said the veteran Barça centre-back, very happy with the three points that put them at the head of a group where they must finish first to dream of being Olympic.
Mariona's penalty pushes them. «On a mental level we were exhausted, but we played the game well. We have even talked about it being one of our best matches.. Playing like this as a team is a great satisfaction after the week we've had,” said the Mallorcan, not without humor.. «We suffered because we conceded in the 90th minute and we won at the last moment. “Before these things used to happen to us the other way around.”
This victory not only has a sporting meaning, which puts Spain at an advantage, but also a social one. “There may be people wanting us to lose, but there are many more who support us,” he warned. In Córdoba you will notice it, although yesterday also despite being the rival team. «We have been applauded when we went out to warm up and we have seen many banners. It is increasingly clear that, although the Swedes have been very sensitive and have supported us, everyone has understood that our fight is everyone's,” Paredes recalled.
Three of them will have to remember it at the National Court, where they will appear as witnesses in the case being pursued against former president Luis Rubiales for the alleged abuse of Jenni Hermoso in the World Cup final.