"We don't stop periods with pills here." This is how Spanish women's soccer players are being cared for at the Euros.

In less than two years, the national team has gone from never having appeared in a final to almost achieving a feat no one has ever achieved . Today, against England, they can win their third consecutive title after the World Cup and the Nations League.

If they win the European Championship, Spain will become the first country to win every UEFA competition , both men's and women's, senior and junior. Neither Germany nor France have achieved this feat.

And the opponent couldn't be anyone else. England, the reigning European champions , whom they've already faced three times in the last year: defeat at Wembley in February, a comeback in Barcelona in June, and, before all that, Sydney, where Olga Carmona scored the goal that clinched a World Cup . Three battles, three different stories. Today, the fourth and final one.

Spain arrives with their legs loaded from the extra time against Germany, but also with the feeling that no one runs like them when the match demands it most . Iker Domínguez , the fitness coach of the U-23 team , explains: "Spain is a team that always wants the ball, and when they lose it, they press quickly. That forces the opponent to run much more and it not only wears them down physically, but also mentally. That's why it seems they have a point more than the others. It was evident against Germany , especially in extra time, when they could no longer maintain the pace."

The detail that makes the difference

In such a short tournament, every day is precious. They've had only three to recover after 120 minutes of extreme pressure. And although La Roja has access to hyperbaric machines, contrast baths, and saunas, Iker insists that the basics remain the most crucial: " Sleep well, eat well, and rehydrate . In such short times, a team that rests better can take advantage."

"Hips, knees, and even the menstrual cycle influence performance."

But behind that ability to arrive fresher, there's also a silent physical transformation . A decade ago , players barely worked with weights. Today, strength is the foundation for performance and injury prevention. And preparation is tailored to each body. " The mechanics of a female soccer player are different : the hips, the knees, even the menstrual cycle influence performance. That's why we individualize the loads and plan with each player."

" In Spain, we don't stop periods with pills ." That level of detail even extends to deciding how to approach a tournament. Historically, some sports and national teams have used chemical methods to avoid period discomfort, but Spain avoids it because it's detrimental to long-term health. These are things the public doesn't see, but they end up weighing heavily on the elite.

"Before, you chose from among 50 girls. Now, from among 500. They're more powerful, more technical, and with greater tactical quality."

All of this has shaped a new generation. " Before, you chose from among 50 girls. Now, you choose from among 500. They arrive more powerful, more technical, and with greater tactical quality." It's a reflection of a country that no longer just competes, but aspires to win everything .

This Sunday, Spain isn't just playing for the Euros . It's playing to close a historic circle , against the same opponent that will try to avenge Sydney and defend its continental throne. It will be a match in which every detail will count: tired legs after Germany, the weight of history, and the hope of a country.

When the anthem plays and the ball rolls, it will be clear that this isn't just about football. It's the opportunity to become the absolute benchmark in European football , both men's and women's. And if this team has proven anything, it's that when they're this close to glory... they never let it slip away.