Germany held 0-0 by Spain in women's Nations League final

A dominant Germany were held 0-0 at home by Spain in the first leg of their women's Nations League final on Friday.

Christian Wück's Germany bossed the opening period and went close through Klara Bühl, Jule Brand and Nicole Anyomi as Cata Coll was forced into several smart stops.

The Spanish team improved in the second half and Esther González hit woodwork. However, stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí failed to shine.

Over 40,000 fans roared Germany on and Bühl continued to be a threat, striking a post herself. Shekiera Martinez also spurned a glorious opportunity for the Germans late on.

"I'm annoyed because we haven't been rewarded," Wück told ZDF. "But we are looking forward to the next leg and know that we can not only go toe-to-toe with Spain, but also impose our game."

But the visitors will be the happier ahead of the second leg of the final on Tuesday at the Metropolitano in Madrid.

"It's a positive result and we'll see them at the Metropolitano," Cata Coll said. "We knew they were going to come at us and have their chances. The Spanish fans never disappoint and I hope they cheer us on as always."

World champions Spain, who lost this year's Euros final to England, are gunning to retain the Nations League title they won last year.

The German women have not won a big tournament since taking gold at the 2016 Olympics and are after revenge following their Euro semi defeat to the Spaniards. 

"I am very proud of the team, we were very brave and very aggressive in the tackle and that gave Spain a real challenge," Bühl said as she looked ahead to the second leg.

"It is nice to see that we are creating chances."