Spain have advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 for the first time since 1997 after a tense 2-0 victory over tournament hosts Switzerland in Bern. The reigning world champions were made to dig deep against a determined Swiss side that pushed them harder than any opponent has done so far in the competition.
After a frustrating first half, Spain finally found their breakthrough with two second-half goals from substitutes Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina. Del Castillo scored less than four minutes after being introduced, while Pina delivered a moment of magic with a curling strike in the 71st minute.
Despite missing two penalties—one by Mariona Caldentey in the 9th minute and another by Alexia Putellas later in the match—Spain maintained composure and control, eventually breaking down Switzerland’s stubborn defensive wall.
Switzerland’s Historic Journey Ends, But the Pride Remains
While their Euro 2025 dream ends here, Switzerland exit the tournament with their heads held high. Under Pia Sundhage’s guidance, the Swiss not only reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history but also galvanized an entire nation behind them.
The atmosphere in Bern was electric as thousands of fans joined a pre-match fan walk, painting the streets red with chants, flags, and passion. A sold-out Wankdorf Stadium roared their team on for the full 90 minutes and beyond—refusing to leave after the final whistle, despite the defeat and Noelle Maritz’s added-time red card.
Switzerland’s performance was a testament to their rapid development in women’s football. Their resilience in defence, exemplified by Maritz and goalkeeper Livia Peng, along with the youthful energy of Alayah Pilgrim and Iman Beney, left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Key Players Who Made the Difference
Athenea del Castillo proved to be Spain’s game-changer, injecting fresh energy and netting just minutes after coming on. Claudia Pina’s curling finish was another highlight, sealing the result with class and confidence. Despite Spain’s early struggles, these individual moments of brilliance carried them through.
For Switzerland, 23-year-old Livia Peng was sensational between the posts. She denied two penalties and pulled off a flying save to stop Pina’s first-half free-kick. Noelle Maritz did a commendable job neutralizing Spain’s top scorer Esther Gonzalez, limiting her influence throughout the match.
Manchester City-bound Iman Beney also impressed, transitioning from full-back to striker and providing much-needed pace and counter-attacking threat for the hosts.
Stats That Shaped the Match
This tournament has been unkind to penalty takers: only 12 of 25 penalties taken (including shootouts) have been converted, a low 48% success rate. Spain’s tally of 16 goals at Euro 2025 is the third-highest in the tournament’s history, behind England’s 22 in 2022 and Germany’s 21 in 2009.
Switzerland made history by starting three teenagers—Sydney Schertenleib, Noemi Ivelj, and Iman Beney—marking the first time in European Championship history that a team has fielded three players aged 18 or younger in a single match.
What Lies Ahead for Spain and Switzerland
Spain now look ahead to a semi-final clash in Zurich on Wednesday, July 23, where they will face the winner of Saturday’s blockbuster quarter-final between France and Germany. That tie promises to test Spain further, especially after Switzerland exposed some defensive vulnerabilities and forced La Roja into long-range efforts.
For Switzerland, their journey ends, but the legacy of Euro 2025 may just be beginning. Their courageous run, youthful talent, and the nationwide excitement they inspired suggest a bright future for women’s football in the Alpine nation.
As Spain march on in search of their first European crown, they’ll do so knowing they were pushed to their limits by a team that has truly arrived on the continental stage.
