CHESTER, Pennsylvania — Alexia Putellas marked a landmark night for Spain with the calm influence that has defined much of her international career, scoring once and creating another in a 2-2 draw with the United States at Subaru Park. Her 150th appearance made her Spain’s most-capped player, and the occasion arrived at the end of a demanding two-match visit to the United States.
A record reached on American soil
- Putellas first played for Spain’s senior side in 2013, arriving as a young player among a generation that had not yet experienced the professional conditions now available to the national team.
- Spain beat the United States 2-0 in Washington on Saturday, although Putellas felt her side had endured longer spells without control in that friendly.
- Three days later in Chester, Spain led 2-0 at half-time against the same opponents, with Putellas contributing both a goal and an assist on her record-breaking 150th cap.
- The United States recovered after the interval, using pace and direct attacking runs in wide areas to force a 2-2 final score.
After the match, the London Lionesses midfielder used the moment to thank the teammates, coaches and staff who have accompanied her since her arrival with La Roja. She said she had grown alongside those around the squad and felt fortunate to occupy her present position.
The player from Mollet del Vallès also reflected on the Spain internationals who welcomed her into the senior setup but did not have the opportunity to live as professional footballers. Across her 13 years with the national side, she said, there have been too many meaningful memories on and off the pitch to select only one.
Spain find more control, but cannot hold the lead
Putellas believed Spain made progress in their second meeting with the Americans. The visitors sought longer periods on the ball and closer distances between players, aiming to limit the United States’ ability to break forward when possession was lost.
“We wanted to control it more, keep the ball for longer and stay connected as a team,” she said. “That would help us stop them going forward after turnovers. We improved on that compared with the first game, though we can still do it better.”
She identified transition moments as the danger Spain had to manage. The United States, she said, are especially quick when attacking through the outside channels, and their second-half response underlined that threat.
No chase for Ramos record
Putellas was asked whether she had begun to consider Sergio Ramos’ overall Spain appearance record of 180 matches. The midfielder laughed off the prospect and insisted that she is not looking that far ahead.
Since her injury, she said, her focus has been on taking each day as it comes, enjoying football and pushing herself as far as possible. For now, her attention is on reviewing the draw with Spain, improving with her teammates and preparing for another club match at the weekend.
