Spain once again showed their attacking threat at this European Championships by dismantling Belgium 6-2 to qualify for the quarter-finals. Portugals 1-1 draw with Italy means Spain have reached the last eight with one group stage game to spare – a result which has confirmed Belgiums elimination from the tournament.
After thrashing Portugal 5-0 in the first game, Spain briefly found this game a little trickier – despite taking the lead midway through the half courtesy of Alexia Putellas, who was set up by the brilliant Vicky Lopez inside the box.
Teams | Stats | As it happenedWomens Euro 2025: Fixtures, results & groupsSky to show 118 WSL games per season in historic dealSpain did show defensive vulnerabilities for the first time in the tournament – starting with set-pieces.
Two minutes after Putellas opener, Justine Vanhaevermaet had the simple task of heading in from close range via a corner, to spark confidence into Belgium. That confidence lasted until six minutes before half-time when Spain scored from a corner of their own – captain Irene Paredes slamming home a header high into the net after coming back into the team.
Yet the second half had more twists in store. After half-time substitute Aitana Bonmati flashed a shot wide, Hannah Eurlings burst through on goal for Belgium and finished well. The offside flag went up but the semi-automated offside technology gave the goal.
That Belgian joy lasted just 90 seconds as Putellas showed flair to release Esther Gonzalez into the box, with the striker finishing well for her third goal of these championships. Spain finally opened up a two-goal buffer at the hour mark as WSL Player of the Season Mariona Caldentey got in on the act as she tucked home a corner from close range after Paredes and Gonzalez saw efforts ricocheted into the air.
Spains shot count kept rising and rising – with Putellas denied a second by the woodwork and Caldentey going close again. But eventually the net rippled again as Claudia Pina scored a trademark long-range beauty for 5-2, before Putellas got her second from close range.
Belgium saw a Tresa Wuillert consolation goal ruled out for offside but Spains dominance was summed up by their 33 efforts on goal. While Belgium gave them a couple of scares, this Spain team look the real deal.
Analysis: Spain will take some stoppingSpains previous record for goals at a European Championships previously stood at six. This tournament, theyve managed 11 after just two games to blast through the record books.
Theyve even done it with eight different goalscorers. If there was any doubt, there shouldnt be now: Spain have the best attack in the tournament. Alexia Putellas ran the show against Belgium – taking on the midfield leadership from Aitana Bonmati, who was only fit enough for the second half.
Esther Gonzalez has three goals already in this tournament, while 18-year-old Vicky Lopez showed her bright potential with a great first half display. With Patricia Guijarro so crucial in that midfield as well, there isnt enough room to fit all of these attacking talents to play at once.
Despite the scoreline taking the form of a thriller, Spain absolutely battered Belgium with over 30 shots on goal. The world champions are making a real statement here – and while Barcelonas Champions League final performance shows it can all come crashing down, it will take some effort to stop this team.
Portugal keep tournament hopes alive in dramatic Italy draw Portugal desperately pressed Italy to find the goal to stay alive in the competition and finally got it in the 89th minute from Diana Gomes to secure a 1-1 draw.
Italy had been set to join Spain in the quarter-finals with a second-half lead via captain Cristiana Girellis curling finish from distance. Portugal thought they had an equaliser 10 minutes later but Diana Silvas goal was ruled out for an offside spotted after a two-minute VAR review.
Then Portugal were denied by the crossbar in the 89th minute when Carole Costas firm header came back off into play, before the ball was recycled for Gomes to earn a crucial point. Portugal defender Ana Borges was sent off deep into stoppage time.
With Spain already through, Italy need to match Portugals result against Belgium when they face Spain to join the world champions in the last eight. But Portugal need to beat Belgium and hope Italy lose to Spain – and overturn a six-goal swing in the process – if they are to reach the quarters.
