In Bern, Switzerland, the Womenโs European Championship saw a thrilling encounter as tournament favorites Spain rallied from behind to defeat Italy 3-1 on Friday. This victory marks the first time Spain has swept through its group stage in the competition. Despite Italyโs loss, they too achieved a milestone by advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years.
Italyโs bold move to take an early lead came in the 10th minute through defender Elisabetta Olivieroโs strike, mere moments after captain Elena Linariโs header hit the crossbar. Spain, however, showed their class by equalizing within four minutes, taking the lead in the 49th minute and later securing the win through Esther Gonzรกlezโs fourth goal of the tournament in stoppage time.
Spainโs defense had its challenges as Italy pressed forward with 13 attempts on goal, suggesting that host nation Switzerland might find opportunities in their upcoming quarterfinal clash. โWe knew the most difficult game in the group would be Italy,โ stated Spain coach Montse Tomรฉ, recognizing the need for heightened alertness in such matches.
Italy ended as the groupโs runner-up to Spain after Portugal, initially third, fell to a 2-1 defeat against Belgium when in need of a substantial victory. Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, celebrating her 100th appearance, reflected on the match, highlighting their effort despite the loss: โI know it was a defeat but we gave everything on the pitch and we knew the only goal we had was to go forward.โ
With Norway as their next challenger in the quarterfinals in Geneva, Italy prepares for a tough match scheduled for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Spain will face Switzerland two days later in Bern, aiming to continue their impressive run.
The match highlighted the significant impact of winger Athenea del Castillo, who made her starting debut and was instrumental in creating the first two Spanish goals. Del Castillo scored Spainโs opening goal in the 14th minute with a precise shot into the top corner after initiating the move herself. Her dynamic play continued as she delivered a cross in the 49th minute that allowed Patri Guijarro to score low into the bottom corner.
Esteemed midfielder Aitana Bonmatรญ also made her first start at Euro 2025, displaying resilience after a recent hospitalization for viral meningitis. โShe did a good job,โ commented Tomรฉ regarding Bonmatรญโs performance. Spainโs attacking prowess was on full display, equaling Englandโs 14-goal group stage record from Euro 2022. England went on to win the tournament that year.
Ahead of the quarterfinals, Spain strategically rested several key players, including defenders Laia Aleixandri and Ona Batlle, who were one yellow card away from suspension. Emerging talents like Vicky Lรณpez, Esther Gonzรกlez, and Clร udia Pina also took a backseat, allowing Bonmatรญ more opportunity on the field.
Spain surprisingly conceded an early lead to Italy when Mariona Caldenteyโs misstep in her penalty area presented Oliviero with an easy chance to score. Nonetheless, Spain quickly responded, with Alexia Putellas assisting Del Castilloโs equalizer through a clever back-heel flickโtopping off an impressive attacking performance by the Spaniards.