Aitana Bonmati inspires spain to a comeback win over Japan in Olympics opener

Spain avoided a shock defeat in their opening match of the Paris Olympics as Aitana Bonmati inspired them to a comeback 2-1 victory over Japan in the women's Group C football match.

The reigning Ballon d’Or holder cancelled out Aoba Fujino’s earlier free-kick at Stade de la Beaujoire, before setting up Mariona Caldentey for the winning goal that gave La Roja the ideal start in Group C.

Spain fell behind in the 13th minute as Cata Coll’s error of judgement culminated in the awarding of a Japan free-kick 25 yards from goal, which Fujino brilliantly bent into the top corner.

However, La Roja responded just nine minutes later following a lovely move that saw Athenea del Castillo neatly thread the ball through the Japanese defence for Bonmati, who calmly slotted past Ayaka Yamashita.

Yamashita came to her nation’s rescue five minutes before half-time, with a smart reflex save to deny Irene Paredes from a tight angle.

Nevertheless, Spain did complete the turnaround with the game’s decisive goal in the 74th minute, as Caldentey exchanged passes with Bonmati before finding the far corner.

Spain face Nigeria in their next Pool C fixtures on Sunday while Japan meet Brazil next also on Sunday.