Alexia Putellas could not join Spain on the pitch for the team’s UEFA Women’s Euro opener after tearing her ACL days before the start of the tournament.
The Ballon d’Or winner, however, made her presence known, cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.
After falling behind Finland early due to an excellent first-minute finish from Linda Sällström, Spain rallied, much to Putellas’ delight.
Putellas was brought to her feet after Irene Paredes pulled Spain level in the 26th minute behind a well-executed header.
Alexia Putellas is a force of nature, this woman loves football like no one else and football owes her the greatest comeback in history, i cant wait! pic.twitter.com/8qvwkC9kS3— lexy (@ancarakez) July 8, 2022
Alexia Putellas is a force of nature, this woman loves football like no one else and football owes her the greatest comeback in history, i cant wait! pic.twitter.com/8qvwkC9kS3
Aitana Bonmati added to Spain’s lead just before the break with another sublime header. After her go-ahead goal, the 24-year-old ran to captain Putellas to celebrate.
MUST WATCH: Spain scores their second of three headers in today's 4 - 1 win over Finland and Aitana Bonmati celebrates by heading to captain and Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is missing Euro2022 with an ACL injury. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/2n7WOeyg11— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 8, 2022
MUST WATCH: Spain scores their second of three headers in today's 4 - 1 win over Finland and Aitana Bonmati celebrates by heading to captain and Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is missing Euro2022 with an ACL injury. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/2n7WOeyg11
Spain rode their escalating momentum into the second half, notching two more goals to put Finland away 4-1.
The two teams played in front of a crowd of 16,819 in Milton Keynes, a tournament record for a non-host group stage matchup.
Spain will play Germany on Tuesday in the team’s second contest of group play.