Spain Edges Past Switzerland 2-0 to Reach Women's EURO 2025 Semifinals After Penalty Drama
Spain Breaks Through After Early Frustration
Spain arrived at the Women's EURO 2025 quarterfinals as reigning world champions, and all eyes were on them against Switzerland, a side making their first appearance in a major tournament knockout round. It looked like Spain had the perfect start in mind when they were awarded a penalty in just the 9th minute. Mariona Caldentey stepped up but saw her effort denied by Swiss goalkeeper Seraina Friedli, setting the tone for an unexpectedly tense night.
From early on, Switzerland played to their strengths. They set up with a compact, disciplined defensive structure, determined not to let Spain’s creative midfielders find space. Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, usually a winger, was called into action at right-back, tasked with containing wave after wave of Spanish attacks. Up front, Iman Beney partnered with Sydney Schertenleib hoping to catch the Spanish defense on the break, but clear-cut chances were scarce.
Spanish manager Jorge Vilda responded by turning to his bench as the second half wore on. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute. Substitute Athenea del Castillo slipped into space after a swift, intricate move, firing home a low finish that left Friedli no chance. Relief was etched across the Spanish faces—they'd finally cracked the code.
Substitutes Deliver as Spain Pushes Past Swiss Resistance
The goal appeared to open the floodgates. Just five minutes later, Clàudia Pina—another substitute—latched on to a loose ball inside the box. She showed composure beyond her years, slotting a tidy shot into the corner and putting Spain two up.
Switzerland did not give up. They looked to hit back quickly, pushing Beney and Schertenleib higher up but were largely kept at bay by Spanish keeper Cata Coll, making her long-awaited return between the posts. Coll, along with midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who ran the midfield with sharp passes and clever movement, kept the Spanish side ticking and limited Swiss opportunities.
As the game neared its end, Spain had a golden chance to make it three. This time, captain Alexia Putellas stood over the penalty spot in the 88th minute, only for Friedli to deny the Spanish talisman and keep Switzerland faintly in the contest. Friedli’s heroics, along with several key saves earlier in the match, saw her emerge as one of the brightest spots for the hosts.
Yet, in the end, Spain’s superior depth and attacking intent proved too much. Those missed penalties were just bumps in the road for a side that never stopped pushing forward. The 2-0 victory means Spain advances to their Women's EURO 2025 semifinal—something they haven’t managed since 1997. Now, with only one match separating them from a place in the final, they prepare to face the winner of France versus Germany, both heavyweights in the women’s game.
For Switzerland, this run will sting, but there’s pride to be taken in holding firm against the world champions. For Spain, despite the wasted penalties, it’s another step on a journey that’s starting to feel inevitable.