Esther Gonzalez of Spain celebrates scoring her team’s fourth goal with teammates Olga Carmona and Claudia Pina during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 match between Spain and Portugal (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Spain got off to a dream start at Euro 2025, cruising to a 5–0 win over Portugal in their Group B opener at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern. Dominant from the first whistle, La Roja showcased their firepower and depth.
Before the match, the entire stadium held a moment of silence to honour Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The Portuguese footballing brothers tragically lost their lives in a road accident while driving through Spain on Thursday.
Spain pressing makes it worth their while
Spain wasted no time asserting their authority. Just two minutes into the match, Esther González opened the scoring, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home the tournament’s first goal.
Only five minutes later, 17-year-old Vicky López doubled the lead with a composed finish. Her goal was a clear statement about the exciting young talent emerging in this Spanish squad.
After the second goal, Inês Pereira remained on the ground, seemingly in frustration, as the Portuguese players regrouped in a huddle to discuss tactical adjustments. Their efforts brought some temporary stability, but against a hungry and relentless team like Spain, there’s no room to switch off.
In the 41st minute, Alexia Putellas added a third with a beautiful strike, set up by an exquisite long pass from Mariona Caldentey starting deep in Spain’s half. It was a symbolic moment: Alexia — who missed the last Euros due to an ACL injury just days before the tournament — is now fully back and in top form.
Just two minutes later, Esther González struck again, scoring her second of the night and giving Spain a 4-0 lead going into half-time.
In the second half, Spain controlled possession with ease, rotating players and managing the tempo. Portugal showed some resilience, but they struggled to withstand the constant pressure and fluid attacking play from La Roja.
In stoppage time, Cristina Martín-Prieto, who had come off the bench, sealed the win with a composed finish in the 93rd minute, rounding off a perfect night for Montse Tomé’s side.
Despite the loss, Portugal boasted incredible support as their fans did not let up their cheering throughout the match.
Up next for Spain and Portugal
Portugal will face Italy on Monday, 7 July in Geneva (21:00 CEST), while Spain take on Belgium on the same day in Thun (18:00 CEST).
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