World champions Spain roared into the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals with a commanding 6-2 victory over Belgium, powered by a scintillating brace from captain Alexia Putellas.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s tournament hopes remain alive after a dramatic late equaliser held Italy to a 1-1 draw.
Spain set the tone midway through the first half when Putellas opened the scoring. Belgium quickly responded with a Justine Vanhaevermaet header, but Spain regained control through Irene Paredes’ authoritative finish just before halftime.
The second half saw Belgium momentarily level through Hannah Eurlings, only for Esther Gonzalez to restore Spain’s lead. Mariona Caldentey and Claudia Pina added to the tally, with Putellas sealing the win in the 86th minute.
The emphatic result pushed Spain to the top of Group B and confirmed their spot in the knockouts, while simultaneously eliminating Belgium, who had earlier lost 1-0 to Italy.
In the later fixture, Italy looked poised for qualification after Cristiana Girelli’s spectacular curling goal in the 70th minute. But Diana Gomes turned the tide in the 89th, capitalising on chaos in the box to score and keep Portugal’s hopes flickering.
As it stands, Spain is the only team in Group B to have secured a quarterfinal spot, while Italy and Portugal will fight it out in the final group fixtures for a place alongside them.
