Spain v Portugal Women’s EURO 2025 Preview

Spain v Portugal headlines the third matchday of Group B at the Women’s EURO 2025, and the Iberian neighbours arrive in Frankfurt with everything to play for. Both teams know that victory on 3 July 2025 could propel them toward the quarter-finals, while defeat may leave qualification hanging by a thread. Below we break down the latest news, stats and tactical talking points to get you ready for kick-off.

Spain v Portugal: Why This Derby Matters

The women’s game has grown rapidly across the peninsula, and Spain v Portugal now carries almost the same edge as the men’s version. Spain, European champions in 2022, are tipped as title favourites again. Portugal, making only their third EURO appearance, see this fixture as the litmus test of their progress. The match also offers a classic clash of styles: Spain’s possession-heavy tiki-taka versus Portugal’s quick-transition football.

Form Guide and Recent Results

Spain v Portugal is shaped by contrasting form curves. La Roja breezed through qualifying with ten wins from ten, scoring 43 goals and conceding just three. In friendlies, they’ve beaten France, Germany and Brazil this calendar year. Portugal, by contrast, reached the finals via the play-offs after finishing second in their group behind Norway. However, Francisco Neto’s side have lost only once in twelve months, a 2-1 defeat to England, which suggests they’re peaking at the right time.

Last Five Competitive Meetings

• 2023 World Cup Qualifying: Spain 2-0 Portugal
• 2023 World Cup Qualifying: Portugal 0-3 Spain
• 2019 Friendly: Spain 4-1 Portugal
• 2017 EURO Group Stage: Portugal 1-2 Spain
• 2015 Friendly: Spain 4-0 Portugal

Team News and Predicted Line-Ups

Jorge Vilda has named a settled Spain v Portugal squad, but he must decide whether to start Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí or rest her for the knockout rounds. Mariona Caldentey is nursing a minor ankle sprain yet trained on Wednesday. For Portugal, star striker Jéssica Silva returned from illness and is expected to lead the line. Teenage sensation Kika Nazareth could drop into midfield to bolster possession.

Spain (4-3-3)

Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Ivana, Carmona; Bonmatí, Putellas, Guijarro; Redondo, Caldentey, Paralluelo.

Portugal (4-2-3-1)

Pereira; Amado, Costa, Mendes, Nazareth; Dolores, Nazareth; Pinto, Martins, Silva; J. Silva.

Tactical Battle to Watch

The fulcrum of Spain v Portugal will likely be the half-spaces. Spain rely on Pat Guijarro to recycle possession quickly and drag opponents out of shape. Portugal will counter that by crowding the central lane with Dolores Silva and Andreia Norton, then springing Jéssica Silva into the channels. Expect Spain to press high, forcing turnovers, while Portugal sit mid-block to deny space behind their defence. Set-pieces could be decisive: Portugal have scored 35 % of their recent goals from dead-ball situations; Spain, just 12 %.

Key Players

Spain

Alexia Putellas – the captain’s ability to dictate tempo will be vital against Portugal’s compact shape.

Salma Paralluelo – her diagonal runs between full-back and centre-back may stretch the Lusitanian back line.

Portugal

Kika Nazareth – at 22 she already possesses elite vision; her long-range shooting could test Spain’s keeper.

Carole Costa – the veteran defender must marshal Paralluelo and Redondo on crosses and through-balls.

Stat Corner: Numbers Behind the Match

Spain v Portugal often hinges on efficiency. Spain average 67 % possession and 18 shots per game, but their conversion rate sits at 14 %. Portugal average just 44 % possession but convert 19 % of their chances. In qualifying, Spain’s expected goals (xG) differential was +2.8 per match, while Portugal’s was +0.9. Defensively, Spain concede 6.4 shots per match; Portugal, 9.8.

Live Commentary and How to Follow

Kick-off for Spain v Portugal is scheduled for 18:00 CET at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt. Goal Sports News will provide minute-by-minute text commentary, in-play stats and post-match interviews. The broadcast will be available on UEFA.tv in select regions, with national networks RTVE (Spain) and RTP (Portugal) carrying the game domestically.

Historical Context of the Iberian Rivalry

Although Spain v Portugal has been lopsided—Spain winning 14 of 17 encounters—the gap is closing. Portugal’s investment in youth academies and the Liga BPI has produced a new generation of technically gifted players. In 2017, Portugal lost narrowly (2-1) in their first EURO meeting, signalling their rise. By 2023 they had pushed Spain to extra time in a World Cup warm-up. Thursday’s match could be their watershed moment.

Coaches’ Quotes

Jorge Vilda (Spain): “We respect Portugal’s growth. They press with intelligence and transition quickly. We must stay disciplined with the ball.”

Francisco Neto (Portugal): “Spain are favourites, but pressure is on them. We believe in our identity and will not park the bus.”

Road to the Knockouts

Group B includes Sweden and Denmark, so Spain v Portugal may decide first and second places. Spain top the group with three points and +3 goal difference. Portugal sit second on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Denmark. Victory for Spain secures the quarter-final ticket; Portugal need at least a draw before facing Sweden in the final group game.

Injury Watch and Suspensions

No player from either side is suspended. Spain’s only concern remains Caldentey’s ankle. Portugal’s Ana Borges is one yellow card away from suspension.

Weather and Pitch Report

Forecasts predict 23 °C with mild humidity—ideal conditions for fast, technical play. Deutsche Bank Park’s hybrid grass has impressed throughout the tournament, offering consistent bounce and quick drainage.

Where the Match Can Be Won

Midfield Control

Spain v Portugal could be decided in the midfield triangle. If Spain’s Bonmatí and Putellas dictate play, Portugal’s block will stretch. Conversely, if Portugal can intercept early passes and counter, Spain’s high defensive line looks vulnerable.

Wide Areas

Spain’s full-backs Batlle and Carmona like to overlap simultaneously. Should Portugal exploit the vacated flanks, Jéssica Silva’s pace may create one-v-ones.

Bench Impact

Vilda can unleash Esther González or Athenea del Castillo late on, while Neto may call on Diana Silva for aerial duels. Fresh legs in the final 20 minutes have turned past Spain v Portugal encounters.

Prediction

Spain’s depth and experience give them the edge, yet Portugal’s newfound resilience means this derby might stay tight until the final whistle. We predict Spain 2-1 Portugal, with the winning goal arriving from a late set-piece.

Short Opinion

Spain v Portugal may lack the Hollywood billing of England versus Germany, but its significance for the Iberian peninsula cannot be overstated. A competitive fixture will confirm that Portugal’s developmental strides are narrowing the gap, and that can only be good for European women’s football.