Germany stuns reigning champions Spain to claim first win in IFAF Women’s European Championships

Germany inflicted a first defeat on reigning IFAF Women’s European tackle champions Spain with a 22-7 win at the Stadion im Sportpark Pennenfeld in Bonn-Bad Godesberg this past weekend.

Running back Stella Elise Martin scored two touchdowns as Germany bounced back from a 21-7 defeat in Finland to claim their first win in the 2025/26 IFAF Women’s European Championships. The last time these two nations met, Spain narrowly beat Germany 8-6 in Calatayud.

Having missed an early field goal, Germany took the lead when Martin broke tackles to race for the game’s opening touchdown in the first quarter.

After both defenses held firm, Spain recovered a Germany fumble and took full advantage as quarterback Victoria Ortega hit Natalia Porras on a crossing pattern for a 30-yard touchdown to tie the game. Noa Cortes tagged on the extra point to take a narrow 7-6 lead, but it was Germany that led 9-7 going into halftime through a Jennifer Gerndt field goal.

Martin extended Germany’s lead in the third quarter with a 31-yard touchdown dash down the right sideline and Gerndt’s successful extra point opened up a 17-7 lead.

Spain was again knocking on the door with eight minutes to play in the game when Germany’s Gerndt came up with a decisive interception in the end zone.

Inside the final minute, after Martin had been repelled at the five-yard mark, a low snap as Germany lined up to attempt a field goal saw Deborah Joachim toss an improvised touchdown pass to Maike Barnebeck who got open in the end zone.

Spain will look to bounce back in October when hosting Great Britain who narrowly lost their opening game to Finland, with all teams still in contention for next summer’s goal medal game.