By 
Spain continued their imperious march through the Women’s Euro 2025 with a composed 2-0 victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Friday night at Bern’s iconic Wankdorf Stadium. The reigning world champions weathered a spirited Swiss resistance before goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina secured their place in the semifinals, where they will now meet the winner of the clash between France and Germany.
Spain-continued-their-imperious-march-through-the-Women’s-Euro-2025-with-a-composed-victory-over-Switzerland-in-the-quarterfinals
Under the bright floodlights and a vibrant Swiss crowd, the hosts made Spain work hard for their breakthrough. It took over an hour for the Spanish side’s slick passing and relentless pressure to finally unlock a resilient Swiss defense. The home fans, whose chants reverberated through the stadium, were treated to a gritty performance from their team, even as they ultimately succumbed to the class and depth of La Roja.
A Tense Opening Half
Spain entered the match as overwhelming favorites, boasting a roster packed with world-class talent including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí. Yet it was Switzerland who nearly made the opening statement, showing early composure and tactical discipline.
The-second-half-saw-Spain-ratchet-up-the-pressure-They-began-to-dominate-possession-and-pinned-Switzerland-deeper-into-their-own-half
Spain’s first real opportunity came in the 13th minute when Mariona Caldentey was brought down in the box by Swiss defender Nadine Riesen. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Caldentey stepped up to take the penalty she had won, but her side-footed effort rolled agonizingly wide of the left post, letting Switzerland off the hook.
Claudia Pina looked lively from the outset, linking up with Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo to create danger around the Swiss penalty area. But the hosts, led by a commanding performance from captain Lia Wälti, stood firm. Swiss keeper Livia Peng was called into action multiple times, diving smartly to parry efforts from Pina and Caldentey. The match went into halftime scoreless, much to the delight of the home supporters who roared their team into the tunnel.
Spain Turn on the Style
The second half saw Spain ratchet up the pressure. They began to dominate possession and pinned Switzerland deeper into their own half. The breakthrough, when it came, was a thing of beauty.
In the 66th minute, Bonmatí received the ball near the top of the Swiss box and, sensing the movement of substitute Athenea del Castillo, delivered a deft backheel pass that sliced through the defense. Athenea latched onto it and calmly slid the ball past the onrushing Peng to make it 1-0. It was a goal of intelligence and finesse—exactly the kind of moment one expects from the reigning world champions.
Just five minutes later, Spain doubled their advantage. Switzerland’s Wälti, under pressure from Pina, lost possession near her own penalty area. Pina seized the opportunity, curled a right-footed effort past Peng, and wheeled away in delight as the ball nestled into the top corner. It was a cruel blow for the hosts but a showcase of Spain’s predatory instincts.
Late Drama and Swiss Spirit
With the game slipping away, Switzerland pushed forward in search of a way back. Their efforts left them vulnerable at the back, and Spain nearly added a third when they were awarded another penalty in the 87th minute after a VAR check confirmed a handball inside the box. This time, Alexia Putellas stepped up, but her effort was saved by Peng, who guessed correctly and palmed it away to keep the scoreline respectable.
In stoppage time, the drama continued as Switzerland’s Noelle Maritz was shown a straight red card for a reckless sliding challenge on Paredes. Reduced to 10 players and facing elimination, the Swiss players stood tall and were applauded off the field by their supporters.
Switzerland’s-Noelle-Maritz-was-shown-a-straight-red-card-for-a-reckless-sliding-challenge-on-Paredes
As the final whistle blew, the Spanish players formed a jubilant circle, dancing and hugging as they celebrated another step toward their goal of adding a European title to their world crown. Meanwhile, the Swiss team gathered at midfield to acknowledge their fans, many of whom remained on their feet, chanting in appreciation. Despite the defeat, Switzerland’s performance throughout the tournament marked a significant step forward for the team.
Spain’s Depth and Experience Shine Through
Spain’s win was a testament to their strength in depth. Athenea, who didn’t start the match, came off the bench to make an immediate impact. Bonmatí was instrumental in midfield, controlling the tempo and providing creativity throughout, while Pina’s movement and finishing were top-class.
Athenea-who-didn’t-start-the-match-came-off-the-bench-to make-an-immediate-impact
Defensively, Spain were largely untroubled, with Irene Paredes and Mapi León expertly marshalling the backline. Goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez had little to do but remained alert on the rare Swiss counterattacks.
Speaking after the game, Spain coach Jorge Vilda praised his team’s patience and tactical maturity. “Switzerland made it difficult. They defended deep, they were organized, and the crowd gave them energy. But we trusted our process, and eventually the quality came through. The goals were beautiful team efforts,” he said.
On the other side, Swiss manager Inka Grings expressed pride in her players. “We knew Spain would have more possession, more chances. But I am proud of how we stayed in the game. Reaching the quarterfinals is a huge achievement for Swiss football. This team has taken a big step.”
What’s Next?
Spain will now turn their attention to the semifinal, where they’ll face the winner of Saturday’s blockbuster between France and Germany. Both teams present formidable challenges—France with their physicality and flair, Germany with their history and tournament pedigree. But Spain, riding the momentum of a dominant tournament run, will enter the match with confidence and belief.
With attacking threats across the pitch and a midfield engine powered by Bonmatí and Putellas, Spain have shown they are not just world champions in name but also in performance. The only blot on their evening was the missed penalties—two in one match—but they won’t be overly concerned as they prepare for the next test.
Swiss Pride Despite Exit
Despite the loss, Switzerland’s campaign will be remembered fondly by fans and analysts alike. Reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s Euros for the first time was a milestone achievement. Players like Wälti, Peng, and Géraldine Reuteler stood out with inspired performances, and the team showed a blend of organization, heart, and ambition.
Despite-the-loss-Switzerland’s-campaign-will-be-remembered-fondly-by-fans-and-analysts-alike
Their defensive discipline and counter-attacking intent troubled Spain for long stretches, and the experience will serve their relatively young squad well heading into future tournaments. The support in Bern was electric, and even in defeat, there was a sense of celebration and pride.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland was as much about endurance as it was about skill. The hosts held strong for over an hour, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, but Spain’s class eventually told. With Bonmatí orchestrating and their attacking depth proving decisive, La Roja move one step closer to European glory.
As the tournament reaches its final stages, all eyes will be on whether Spain can complete the double—World Cup and Euros—in consecutive years. If their performance in Bern is anything to go by, few would bet against them.
Click here to watch more!
Comments