Spain made a commanding start to Women’s Euro 2025 by crushing Portugal 5-0 in their Group B opener on Thursday, a match shadowed by grief as both sides paid respects to Portuguese men’s international Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident.
The reigning world champions raced to a two-goal lead within seven minutes in Bern, with strikes from Esther Gonzalez and Vicky Lopez, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Spain added three more goals from Alexia Putellas, a second from Gonzalez, and a late header by Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“What I liked most was how quickly we started. It helped us stay patient and respond to Portugal’s forced attacking style,” said Spain coach Montse Tome. “The team performed excellently, and I’m very pleased.”
Spain topped the group on goal difference after Italy’s narrow 1-0 win against Belgium, showing no mercy to a Portuguese team mourning the tragic loss of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in northern Spain.
Portuguese supporters marched to the stadium carrying banners and chanting in tribute to Jota. At the Wankdorf Stadium, the crowd observed a moment of silence, and fans held signs reading “Rest in Peace” alongside a banner saying “Thanks for everything.”
“I want to express my condolences to Diogo, his brother, and their family,” said Portugal coach Francisco Neto. “I worked with him when he played for the under-19s, and he followed the women’s team closely. This is a sad day for all of us.”
The tough day for Portugal worsened just under two minutes into the game when Gonzalez expertly controlled a high ball from Olga Carmona and scored. Then, 18-year-old Lopez became Spain’s youngest scorer at a Women’s Euro with a seventh-minute goal, finishing a cross from Mariona Caldentey.
Captain Putellas, sidelined for the last Euros due to injury, scored before halftime with a composed finish after a clever run past the goalkeeper. Spain kept up the pressure, with Gonzalez netting again following a rebound off the post.
Coach Tome received further good news as Aitana Bonmati returned to the pitch for the final 10 minutes after recovering from viral meningitis.
Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, only rejoined training days earlier, giving Spain a significant boost as they seek their first women’s European title.
Martin-Prieto sealed the emphatic win with a header just before the final whistle.
Earlier in the day, Italy secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium thanks to a goal from Bayern Munich midfielder Arianna Caruso just before halftime.
Caruso’s strike was the decisive moment in a game that boosts Italy’s chances of claiming the other quarter-final spot, while Spain look poised to top the group.
