Alexia Putellas delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and assisting two more as Spain secured a dominant win over Belgium at the Stockhorn Arena, cementing their status as frontrunners for Euro 2025.
Unlike their lightning start against Portugal, where they scored within 90 seconds, Spain took longer to find rhythm in Thun. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Putellas fired home, but Belgium responded swiftly—Justine Vanhaevermaet heading in from a Tessa Wullaert corner just two minutes later.
Spain regained control shortly before half-time, with captain Irene Paredes—returning from suspension—powering in a header to make it 2-1.
The second half opened in dramatic fashion as Belgium equalised again through Hannah Eurlings, whose goal stood after a VAR review confirmed she was onside. However, Spain responded almost immediately, Esther Gonzalez latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Putellas to restore the lead.
Mariona Caldentey extended the advantage soon after the hour mark, before Claudia Pina curled in a brilliant strike nine minutes from time. Putellas capped her superb display with a deft finish in the closing stages.
Later in the evening, Spain’s place in the quarter-finals was confirmed when Portugal and Italy played out a 1-1 draw—an outcome that also knocked Belgium out of the tournament.
Portugal’s hopes remain alive thanks to Diana Gomes, who netted an 89th-minute equaliser after Italy had gone ahead through a superb curling shot from captain Cristiana Girelli in the 70th minute.
Portugal finished the match with ten players after Ana Borges received a second yellow card for a late foul on Barbara Bonansea.
Italy can secure a quarter-final berth with a draw against Spain on Friday. They will also progress regardless of their result if Portugal fail to beat Belgium in their final group game.
