Spain Ends Switzerland’s Euro 2025 Run With 2-0 Win \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Spain defeated host nation Switzerland 2-0 in the Euro 2025 quarterfinals despite missing two penalties. Second-half goals from Athenea Del Castillo and Clàudia Pina sealed the win. Spain now faces France or Germany in the semifinals, chasing their first title since 1997.
Quick Looks
- Spain won 2-0 over host Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
- Missed penalties by Caldentey and Putellas didn’t affect the outcome.
- Goals came from Del Castillo (66′) and Pina (71′).
- Spain struck the goalpost three times and dominated chances.
- Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng had key saves, including a penalty stop.
- Noelle Maritz was sent off late for denying a clear scoring chance.
- Spain’s Laia Aleixandri suspended for semifinals after second yellow.
- Spain reaches semifinals for first time since 1997.
- Spain will face either France or Germany in Zurich on Wednesday.
- Winner will meet England or Italy in the final on July 27.
Deep Look
Spain’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over host Switzerland in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 was far more than a routine win. It was a match that combined drama, tactical battles, missed opportunities, youthful defiance, and flashes of brilliance—all under the high-pressure lights of a sold-out Wankdorf Stadium in Bern. For Spain, the result marked a major milestone: their first Women’s Euro semifinal appearance since 1997. For Switzerland, it was the bittersweet conclusion to a dream tournament run on home soil.
Coming into the match, Spain carried the weight of expectation as reigning world champions and the highest-scoring team in the tournament. But it was Switzerland, buoyed by a sea of red and white-clad fans, who created the early emotional highs—especially after Spain’s Mariona Caldentey missed a penalty just nine minutes in, dragging her shot wide of the post. The miss, and the eruption of cheers that followed from Swiss supporters, momentarily tilted the psychological balance of the game.
Spain dominated possession and created wave after wave of attacking chances but lacked the clinical edge in the final third for most of the first half. Despite their offensive depth and midfield mastery led by Aitana Bonmatí, Spain was held scoreless through the opening 45 minutes for the first time in the tournament—a testament to the defensive discipline and tactical planning of Swiss head coach Pia Sundhage.
Sundhage, a veteran manager and two-time Olympic gold medalist, delivered on her promise to “surprise” with her starting lineup. In a bold tactical move, she fielded three 18-year-olds—Iman Beney, Sydney Schertenleib, and Noemi Ivelj—in key attacking and midfield roles. Beney, normally a wingback, was deployed as a lone striker to exploit Spain’s high defensive line with pace. Meanwhile, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, Switzerland’s all-time leading scorer, was shifted to right back to combat Spain’s threats on the left flank. The experimental setup paid off in the first half, keeping Spain frustrated and without a breakthrough.
However, the second half saw Spain’s superior squad depth come into play. With the match still goalless, manager Jorge Vilda brought on Athenea Del Castillo in the 62nd minute. Just four minutes later, she made her mark. Aitana Bonmatí, ever the orchestrator, flicked a pass into the box, which Del Castillo calmly slotted past goalkeeper Livia Peng for the breakthrough goal. The relief was palpable for Spain, and the momentum shifted definitively in their favor.
Five minutes later, Clàudia Pina added the insurance goal with a beautiful curling strike from the edge of the box. Her technique, timing, and precision left Peng rooted as the ball bent past her into the net. In the space of five minutes, Switzerland’s solid defensive wall had crumbled, and Spain had effectively secured their place in the final four.
But Spain’s finishing woes weren’t entirely over. In the 88th minute, after Caldentey had been subbed off, Alexia Putellas stepped up to take Spain’s second penalty of the night. Though her effort was powerful, it was placed at a height that allowed Peng to make an excellent diving save to her left. It was the second time in the match that Spain had failed from the spot, continuing a worrying trend that has seen poor penalty execution throughout the Euro 2025 quarterfinals.
Indeed, Spain’s win highlighted a larger issue plaguing this tournament: penalty conversions. Just days earlier, Norway’s Ada Hegerberg had sent her attempt wide in a crucial moment against Italy. In another quarterfinal, a shootout between England and Sweden saw only five of 14 penalties scored, with Sweden missing multiple chances to win the match—including a spot-kick from goalkeeper Jennifer Falk that clanged off the post. Despite their offensive firepower, Spain must now confront their own vulnerability from the spot as they prepare for tougher opponents.
The match’s final moments were marred by Swiss defender Noelle Maritz receiving a straight red card in stoppage time for a last-player foul, sealing Switzerland’s fate. Spain also suffered a setback when center-back Laia Aleixandri picked up her second yellow card of the tournament, ruling her out of the semifinal match due to suspension.
Despite the loss, Switzerland can walk away with pride. Their youthful squad displayed maturity beyond their years, and Sundhage’s creative tactics kept one of the world’s best teams scoreless for an hour. The team’s deep run on home turf has ignited national interest in women’s football and laid a foundation for future success.
Spain now moves on to face the winner of France vs. Germany in what promises to be a blockbuster semifinal next Wednesday in Zurich. With 16 goals in the tournament—more than any other team—Spain enters the semifinal as a clear favorite, but their missed chances and upcoming defensive absence will require careful management. A win there would earn them a place in the final at Basel’s St. Jakob-Park on July 27, where either England or Italy will await.
As Spain eyes its first-ever European title, the pressure will only mount. But with Bonmatí pulling the strings, Del Castillo and Pina finding form, and the team clicking despite setbacks, the dream remains very much alive.
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