Spain Beat Switzerland to Reach Semi-Finals Despite Penalties
Spain Dominates Switzerland to Secure Euro 2025 Semi-Final Spot
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Spain’s clinical finishing proved too much for Switzerland as the world champions secured a 2-0 victory to advance to the Euro 2025 semi-finals. Despite a spirited performance from the hosts, two second-half goals sealed Spain’s passage, setting up a potential rematch with Olympic rivals Germany.
Clinical Second-Half display Seals Victory
While Switzerland started brightly and looked risky on the break, Spain’s experience and quality eventually shone through. The early stages saw Spain awarded a penalty when Mariona Caldentey was fouled by Nadine Riesen. however, Caldentey’s subsequent spot-kick sailed wide of the post, a missed prospect that could have given Spain an early advantage.
Despite further chances for Spain’s Jenni Hermoso, stout defending from the Swiss, backed by a vociferous home crowd, ensured the score remained level at the interval. The first half was a testament to Switzerland’s defensive resilience and the electric atmosphere generated by their supporters.
Bonmati Brilliance and Pina’s Powerhouse Strike
The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute by a moment of sheer brilliance from Spain’s Aitana Bonmati. Her instinctive backheel found Athenea,who expertly guided the ball past Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to put the world champions ahead.Just five minutes later, Spain doubled their lead through Jenni Hermoso. A lapse in concentration from Switzerland captain Lia Waelti saw her dispossessed just outside her own penalty area, and Hermoso capitalized with a superb curling effort into the top corner, sparking jubilant celebrations.
The match wasn’t without further drama. Spain’s Alexia Putellas missed a late penalty, and switzerland’s Noelle Maritz received a straight red card for a challenge in stoppage time.
Spanish Joy and Swiss Pride
As the final whistle blew, the Spanish players celebrated their semi-final berth with a joyous circle dance. The Swiss fans, despite the defeat, showed immense appreciation for their team’s efforts, singing loudly as the players gathered together. This marked Switzerland’s first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament,a meaningful achievement for the nation.”We are very happy, and very happy to have reached the semi-finals,” said Athenea post-match. “The team gave it their all. The atmosphere was spectacular, and hopefully it can be repeated. The team created many chances but we didn’t convert them,we got a bit stuck,but in the end we managed to get the win.”
Looking ahead, Athenea expressed the team’s desire for a rematch with Germany, who they narrowly lost to in the bronze medal match at the 2024 paris Olympics. “They are two great teams. maybe we’d prefer to face germany again because of what happened at the Olympics, but whoever we play, we’ll give it our all.”
Watch the Euro 2025 quarter-finals live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.