Women’s Euro 2025 round-up: Spain beat Portugal on emotional evening while Italy defeat Belgium

World champions Spain beat Portugal 5-0 in their opening Women’s Euro 2025 game on what was an emotionally-charged occasion following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.

Both sets of players wore black armbands in tribute to the siblings, who were killed in a car accident in Zamora, a north-western province of Spain.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off – as it was in the earlier game and will be prior to Friday’s fixtures – while fans inside a markedly sombre Wankdorf Stadium in Bern displayed photos, banners and messages in tribute to Jota and Silva.

Para sempre. 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝘁𝗮. ✨

𝗣𝗲𝗹𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗼. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/JW2gxCGkZc

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025

On the pitch, Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, laid down a signal of intent. Four of La Roja’s goals came during a dominant first-half display, with Esther Gonzalez (2), teenage sensation Vicky Lopez and captain-for-the-game Alexia Putellas all finding the net.

Portugal defended more resolutely after the break, but could not prevent conceding a fifth goal late on when Cristina Martin-Prieto headed home deep into second-half stoppage time.

A squad littered with talent at her disposal, Spain manager Montse Tome will have been buoyed by the return of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, who came on for the final 10 minutes just days after being discharged from hospital where she was treated for viral meningitis.

Elsewhere in Group B, Italy picked up all three points with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Sion courtesy of a fine strike from Arianna Caruso.

A minute before the break, Caruso collected a pin-point pass from Lucia di Guglielmo inside the box before lashing a fierce effort into the top corner.

For Italy, who are many people’s pick for tournament dark horses, it was a first win in their opening game of a European Championship since 2009.

The Azzurre are next in action when they take on a Portugal side with something to prove on Monday in Thun, while Belgium meet a Spain side in red-hot form on the same day in Geneva.

Friday sees Group C get underway, with Denmark taking on neighbours Sweden in Lancy while Poland play 2022 finalists Germany in St Gallen.

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