Spain Women Thrash Portugal 5-0 in Euro Opener

Spain women exploded out of the blocks in A Coruña, overwhelming Portugal 5-0 to launch their UEFA Euro 2025 qualifying campaign in emphatic style. The world champions stamped their authority inside ten pulsating minutes, banking an early two-goal cushion that never looked in danger as they monopolised possession and showcased the full range of their attacking artistry.

Spain women set the tempo from the first whistle

From kick-off it was clear the hosts meant business. Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmatí dictated the rhythm in midfield, recycling the ball with customary precision and pulling Portugal’s shape apart. After just six minutes Alexia Putellas made the breakthrough, glancing a clever header beyond keeper Patricia Morais following Ona Batlle’s teasing cross. Four minutes later Mariona Caldentey doubled the advantage, stabbing home after a rapid triangle involving Bonmatí and the marauding Batlle down the right flank.

Midfield mastery suffocates Portuguese resistance

Spain women enjoyed a staggering 71 percent possession across the evening. Bonmatí’s ability to dribble out of tight pockets, combined with Guijarro’s metronomic passing, meant Portugal rarely strung three passes together. When they did advance, centre-backs Irene Paredes and Mapi León were alert to snuff out danger. The visitors’ best moment came midway through the first half when Jéssica Silva slipped behind the back line, but goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez raced off her line to smother.

Clinical finishing highlights squad depth

Coach Montse Tomé had preached ruthlessness in the pre-match press conference and her side delivered. Two minutes after the restart, substitute Eva Navarro curled a gorgeous effort into the far corner for 3-0, underlining the production line of talent at Tomé’s disposal. Putellas grabbed her second and Spain’s fourth on 74 minutes, rifling an unstoppable left-footer from the edge of the box after another incisive Bonmatí assist. The fifth arrived in stoppage time when young winger Vicky López ghosted in at the back post to tap home Caldentey’s low centre.

Defensive solidity earns first clean sheet of 2025

While the headlines belonged to Putellas and Caldentey, Tomé will be equally delighted with the clean sheet. Spain women pressed as a unit, with full-backs Batlle and Olga Carmona squeezing high to keep play in Portuguese territory. Rodríguez faced only two shots on target all evening, both comfortable saves. The flawless defensive display sends a message to future Group B opponents Belgium and Italy.

Key statistics from the night

• Goals: Putellas 2, Caldentey, Navarro, V. López
• Possession: Spain women 71% – 29% Portugal
• Shots: 23-4 in Spain’s favour (11-2 on target)
• Pass accuracy: 91% vs 73%
• Expected Goals: 3.8 – 0.3

Manager and player reactions

Montse Tomé: “We asked for intensity and personality; the players delivered. Starting the Euro 2025 qualifying path with energy is vital. The competition for places is fierce and tonight proved that.”

Alexia Putellas: “Scoring twice always feels good, but the best part is seeing the team enjoy its football. We have set the tone; now we must keep raising the bar.”

What the result means for Euro 2025 qualifying

Three points and a +5 goal difference put Spain women on top of Group B after matchday 1. With Belgium drawing against Italy, La Roja already have a cushion. The top two nations secure direct passage to the 2025 finals in Switzerland, while the third-placed side faces a play-off. Tomé’s squad will fancy sealing qualification early if they maintain this level.

Upcoming fixtures

Spain travel to Leuven on 9 April to face Belgium, then host Italy in Seville a month later. Portugal, bruised by the opening-day defeat, must regroup quickly before welcoming the Azzurre next week.

Spain women’s momentum shows no sign of slowing

After lifting the 2023 World Cup and following up with the inaugural Women’s Nations League crown, Spain women continue to evolve. New faces such as Vicky López, Fiamma Benítez and Jana Fernández are pushing established stars, ensuring intensity in every training session. Tactical flexibility remains a hallmark; tonight the 4-3-3 morphed into a 3-2-5 in possession, suffocating Portugal’s deep block.

Tactical breakdown

Wing overloads: Batlle and Carmona overlapped relentlessly, allowing Caldentey and Salma Paralluelo to drift infield and attack the half-spaces. Portugal’s full-backs were pinned, creating numerical superiority wide and centrally.

Counter-pressing traps: Whenever Spain lost the ball, the nearest three players swarmed the recipient, forcing hurried clearances that León and Paredes easily recovered.

Set-piece variety: Corner routines exploited both near-post flicks and far-post overloads. Although no goals came directly from dead balls tonight, the movement patterns unsettled the Portuguese defence.

Portugal’s lessons learned

Coach Francisco Neto admitted post-match that his side were “second best in every duel.” Without the injured Kika Nazareth, creativity was scarce. Neto might switch to a back five against Italy to regain defensive solidity. Nevertheless, the experience facing the world champions away from home could prove invaluable in the long run.

Historical context of the rivalry

Spain women have now extended their unbeaten record against Portugal to nine matches, winning eight and drawing one since their first official meeting in 1994. The aggregate score across those contests stands at a commanding 28-4, underlining the gulf that still separates Iberian neighbours at senior level.

Player of the match: Alexia Putellas

The two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner reminded the continent why she remains a generational talent. Beyond her brace, Putellas completed 54 of 57 passes, won five duels and created three chances. Her intelligent movement between the lines constantly unsettled the Portuguese double pivot, opening lanes for Caldentey and Bonmatí to exploit.

Final whistle verdict

Spain women delivered a statement of intent. Fluid combinations, relentless pressing and clinical finishing were too much for Portugal to handle, and the reigning world champions look hungry to add the European crown to their growing collection.

Opinion

Tonight’s mauling was more than a routine win; it was a clear warning to the rest of Europe. If Spain’s emerging talents continue to blend seamlessly with their established stars, Montse Tomé’s side may render the Euro 2025 tournament a procession. The onus is now on rivals to find answers — fast.