Catalan supersub Pina nets twice as Spain fight back to defeat England 2-1 

Three times the stadium announcer called out Clàudia Pina's name and three times the crowd at the RCDE Stadium went wild.

On 58 minutes, the Barça forward came on as a substitute to a raucous reception, with Spain trailing to Alessia Russo's first-half strike for England.

Just two minutes later, Pina equalised to make it 1-1 with a lovely dribble and finish.

And 10 minutes after her first, the Catalan subersub fired Spain into a 2-1 lead on 70 minutes with a wonderful finish from the edge of the box past a helpless Hannah Hampton in the England goal.

It was no more than Spain deserved, taming England's lionesses by dominating the ball with intricate, patient possession football.

Pina provided the cutting edge, as she has done on so many occasions for Barça this season.

Nations League semi-final awaits

Spain hosted England in the sixth and final fixture of their Nations League group phase on Tuesday.

The match at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium, just outside Barcelona, saw the current world champions welcome the reigning European champions.

England led 1-0 at half time after Alessia Russo's goal on 22 minutes, in controversial circumstances.

The Spain players and management – and the crowd – were convinced there was a foul from England's Niamh Charles in the buildup, but the referee and her assistant disagreed. 

Pina's brace ensured holders Spain finished top of Group 3 in League A of the UEFA Women's Nations League, their only points dropped the 1-0 defeat to England at Wembley.

Spain join Germany, France and Sweden in the final four of the competition, with the Nations League Finals to take place in October to December 2025.

Both sets of fans optimistic

Before the game, both set of fans were optimistic.

"We are going to win, like always with Spain," Ola, from Poland, told Catalan News.

"I was supporting Barça the whole season and right now I'm at the match – Spain-England – and it is my dream because I remember two years ago the World Cup final. It was amazing when Spain beat England and I hope it will be also today," Ola said.

Joan, from Mallorca, was cautiously hopeful: "It's not an easy match. They have to play tough and I hope they win." 

He was hoping to watch his "little cousin," Lucía Corrales, but she didn't make the line-up. "She will in the future," Joan said.

There were some white shirts of England scattered among the sea of Spanish red before the game kicked off. 

Andy from Gloucester was visiting Barcelona for the week and decided to come to the match with his son celebrating his 21st birthday. 

"1-0 would be a good result for England," Andy said. He was at Wembley in February to see the reverse fixture, with the Lionesses winning 1-0. 

"It was a very good match. Hopefully 1-0 again."

Gabriel, from Barcelona, was also sporting an England shirt. "It's a team I like," he explained, "they have players that I follow."

"They're two teams in good form," Gabriel said. "It's going to be a fight to the death for a place in the final four."