An ACL injury was never going to stand in the way of Alexia Putellas being a part of Spain's Euro 2022 run. The midfielder's hopes of playing were shattered earlier this week when she picked up the injury in training, but she was adamant she would be present for Spain's opening match against Finland.Ahead of kick-off in Milton Keynes, Alexia was honoured by her teammates as they posed with her shirt on the pitch.After another title-winning season with Barcelona and becoming the first Spaniard to win the Ballon d'Or, the 28-year-old was ready to set the European stage alight.But Spain were dealt a huge blow when she tore her ACL in training, just days before the start of Euro 2022. They will now compete without their most capped player.However, despite the heartbreaking news, Alexia's spirits have not been dampened. The midfielder was undoubtedly her country's most important fan in the crowd at the Stadium MK on Friday night.

Unconditional support from Alexia Putellas

Finland shocked the Spaniards when Linda Sallstrom scored one of the fastest goals in the tournament's history to take an unexpected early lead. But Spain weren't left trailing for long.

Irene Paredes levelled the scoreline on the 26-minute mark and cameras immediately panned to Alexia, who was on her feet celebrating in the crowd and rallying her team.

Aitana Bonmati added another goal for Spain just before half-time and dedicated the moment to her injured compatriot.

The two shared a heartfelt moment as Alexia hopped, without her crutches, towards the pitch to embrace her teammate.

As the match reached the final 25 minutes, the shock from Finland seemed like a distant memory for the Spaniards. The pre-tournament favourites glided easily through the gears and secured a comfortable 4-1 opening win.

It was Lucia Garcia who popped up with Spain's third goal in the second half, followed by a last-gasp stoppage time penalty from Mariona Caldentey to seal the deal.

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A smiling Alexia was filmed celebrating after every single Spanish goal.

To add to the emotion, she also wore the jersey of Virginia Torrecilla, who recently returned to club football after undergoing treatment for cancer.

Following on from England's record-breaking home crowd of 68,871 fans against Austria at Old Trafford, Spain and Finland wrote their own piece of history.

A total of 16,819 supporters filled the Stadium MK, marking the highest ever Euro group stage audience not involving a home nation.

Spain will take on Germany in their next match in Brentford, while Finland prepare to return to Milton Keynes to face Denmark.