The world champions in Spain began their Euro 2025 campaign in style as they burst Portugal with a dominant 5-0 victory.
There was a particularly dark atmosphere inside the stadium, less than 24 hours after the death of the International Diogo of Portugal, Diogo Jota – and his brother Andre Silva – in Zamora, in northern Spain.
But all hope that the Portuguese forging a winning tribute to Bern were finished at halftime, after two goals from Esther Gonzalez and one by Vicky Lopez and Alexia Putellas did it 4-0 at the break.
Cristina Martin-Prieto added a fifth with one of the last actions of the match to help her nation establish the record for their greatest victory in a European female championship, improving the 4-1 victory over Finland in July 2022.
A fan holds a sign with the “eternal” Portuguese word in memory of the Portuguese international footballer Diogo Jota
With less than seven minutes on the clock, Spain had set the tone – and showed why they are favorites for the tournament.
Spanish players celebrate after Esther Gonzalez scored the opening goal against Portugal at Euro 2025
Gonzalez’s improvised finish gave them the start of the dream after 88 seconds, before Lopez, 18, could hit Mariona Caldentey d’Arsenal, with the defense of Portugal bypass with ease.
The chances continued to flow for Spain, but the third escaped them to the break. When it came, it was glorious. Deep Caldentey’s Ballon found Pulellas, which controlled expertly, moved its weight and finished with Aplomb.
Vicky Lopez (above) marked the second in Spain
There was even time for a fourth before the break, when Gonzalez typed his second on the line after the loop cross of Claudia Pina was gently lowered for her.
The wait for the second half was high, given the way the first had been hectic, but, at the credit of Portugal, they held their opponents at a distance for long periods. The highest point was the introduction of the double golden ball, the winner Aitana Bonmati, who returned to a hot ovation after the treatment of viral meningitis.
But it was time for Spain to add the fifth they wanted in the 93rd minute, when Martin-Prieto arrived at the end of the perfect cross of Salma Paralleluelo and propelled into a head.
Portugal players posed with a banner paying tribute to Diogo Jota after their opening defeat of Euro 2025 against Spain
What the players said …
Alexia Puellas of Spain:
“I highlight our state of mind, how we went out to play. We were really impatient to start, but this is only the first match.
“Father [Bonmati] is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and overcome her illness. It is a joy. “”
Diana Silva from Portugal:
“We conceded the first goals and the team became anxious and unstable. We could not get my hands and it is more difficult to continue the result.
“We were much better in the second period, more united. We have not allowed Spain so much space to enter.
“We think that until the end, our goal is to win points until the end and everything is always to be won.”
