Germany's under-21 football team showcased a phenomenal display on March 25, 2025, as they defeated Spain's under-21 side 3-1 in a friendly match held at Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor in Darmstadt. The evening belonged to Nick Woltemade, whose outstanding performance earned him a perfect hat-trick that caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
Woltemade, a towering forward standing at 1.98 meters tall and currently playing for VfB Stuttgart, opened the scoring for Germany in the 3rd minute. In a thrilling display of skill, he received the ball at the center of the pitch, performed a nutmeg on Kike Salas, and executed a beautiful chip over Spain's goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite these early fireworks, Spain responded robustly with Gabri Veiga leveling the score in the 19th minute. A low cross from Álex Valle found Veiga in the box, who calmly finished with a precise left-footed shot past Iturbe, igniting hopes for a potential comeback for the visitors.
However, the match saw a shift in momentum as Germany regained control soon after the halftime break. Woltemade once again proved to be a thorn in Spain’s defense, restoring Germany's lead in the 56th minute. Following a slick move, Woltemade showcased his agility and precision as he turned and scored from close range with his right foot, making the score 2-1.
Germany’s dominance continued as Woltemade capped off his memorable evening with another goal in the 79th minute. He displayed his aerial prowess by scoring a well-placed header that began with a well-directed cross from Jens Castrop. The ball struck the crossbar before nestling into the net, sealing a comprehensive victory for Germany.
This match serves as a crucial preparatory encounter for both teams, as they gear up for the UEFA European Championship set to commence in the summer of 2025. Germany's resilience and tactical prowess were clearly exhibited, while Spain will need to address their defensive errors that proved costly during the match.
For Spain's coach Santi Denia, the defeat illuminated severe vulnerabilities in his squad. At times, Spain displayed promising moments, particularly in their ability to equalize and create chances, yet their failure to maintain defensive discipline ultimately led to their downfall.
Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade’s performance not only reflects his growth as a player but also increases expectations for him heading into the European Championship. His ability to score with both feet and with his head makes him a versatile threat in the attack. Having previously played for Werder Bremen, he has been making a name for himself at Stuttgart, boasting prolific stats with 12 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Woltemade is set to become a crucial player for Germany as they consider his contributions when planning for the championship. Scouts from prominent clubs such as Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping a close eye on him, further highlighting the importance of his recent successes.
As both teams conclude their preparation for the tournament, the contrasting trajectories of their performances in Darmstadt may pave the way for future success or struggle at the European Championship. With Woltemade's hat-trick etching his name into the history books and Spain's defensive lapses serving as a warning, the stage is set for an intriguing summer of football.
