Aitana Bonmati returns as Spain advances in Women's Euro 2025
- Spain defeated Switzerland 2-0 in the Women's Euro 2025 quarter-finals, emphasizing their strength as the tournament favorites.
- This match was historical for Switzerland as it marked their first-ever progression to the knockout stage in the Euros.
- The victory solidified Spain's status as contenders for the tournament, as they celebrated their first knockout match win with excitement and respect for their opponents.
In the Women's Euro 2025 quarter-finals held in Bern, Switzerland's football team faced off against the reigning world champions, Spain, in what was their first knockout stage match. The encounter, which took place on July 18, 2025, saw Spain triumph with a score of 2-0, showcasing their strong capabilities as a dominant team in women's football. Switzerland managed to reach this stage for the first time in their history by securing a late draw against Finland in the group stages, but they were unable to overcome the formidable Spanish side. Spain's journey to the quarter-finals was marked by their assertive performance in the earlier rounds, where they displayed technical skill and strategic play. The match against Switzerland highlighted their depth and talent, including the return of key player Aitana Bonmati, who had recently recovered from a viral meningitis scare. Bonmati's presence was crucial as she contributed significantly to Spain's attacking strategies, further proving her worth in high-stakes situations. The match began without a score for the first hour, creating a tense atmosphere as both teams sought to gain the upper hand. However, the deadlock was finally broken by substitute Athenea del Castillo, who scored just four minutes after being subbed into the game. This breakthrough was followed by a second goal from another Spanish player, adding to their lead and consolidating their position as strong favorites for the tournament. After the match, the Spanish players celebrated their victory intensely, indicating how vital this win was for them as it marked their first knockout game victory in the Euros. Their celebratory gestures also included acknowledging their opponents, Switzerland, with a guard of honor, reflecting mutual respect between the two teams despite the competitive nature of the matchup. The outcome of this match adds to the narrative of Spain's dominance in women's football and sets a challenging future for the remaining competitors as they advance to the semi-finals.