Spain beat Sweden 3-2 in a very exciting game on Friday. This was the team’s first win since a scandal surrounded its soccer league after it won the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

After the former head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, kissed Jennifer Hermoso without her permission during the title party, it was a rough month before the win.

Even though the fallout was still going on, La Roja beat Sweden in the UEFA Nations League game. Mariona Caldentey scored from the penalty spot deep into injury time to give Spain the win.

This week, 20 players on the national team said again that they would not play in the game against Sweden.

After crisis talks, 21 of the 23 chosen players agreed to play as long as the league promised to change its structure right away.

Before the game, both teams put up a sign that said “#SeAcabó,” which means “It’s over” in English. The words “Our fight is the global fight” was also written on the flag.

The players from Spain also wore rings that said “#SeAcabó.”

England and Scotland players wore the same wristbands during their own UEFA Nations League game on Friday. This was another sign of the unity among female soccer players that has been clear throughout the month-long scandal.

“In the end, we did play. We’ve had a rough few days and haven’t slept for nights. We’re tired, but we’re not the kind of people who make excuses,” Athenea del Castillo said later, according to Reuters.

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“We showed up, came here, and fought until the end. Very proud of our team and how hard we worked to get this win.”

On the field, Spain and Sweden played a rematch of the Women’s World Cup quarterfinal from last month. Magdalena Eriksson headed in a corner to give Sweden the lead.

After 15 minutes, Spain tied the game when Del Castillo’s shot was mishandled by goalie Zeira Muovi and went into the goal off of her.

Then, Eva Navarro gave La Roja a 2-1 lead with a strong shot that went high over Muovi’s head. This was the end of a moving move that had opened up the Swedish defense.

Lina Hurtig evened things up for Sweden before there was late drama.

In the 94th minute, Amanda Ilestedt gave away a penalty and got a red card for holding Amaiur Sarriegi back when she was about to score.

Caldentey did everything right from the spot to help her team win.

Away from the field, Spanish football’s problems kept getting worse as the RFEF fired its head of ethics on Friday.

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