Spain Break Down Swiss Wall to Reach Semis
Spain are headed to the semifinals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 after a patient and persistent performance finally wore down a resolute Switzerland side in front of over 29,000 fans. Despite two missed penalties and several close calls, the Spanish eventually struck twice in five minutes to seal a well-deserved 2-0 victory.
Switzerland came into the match with a clear defensive game plan and frustrated Spain for over an hour, keeping the world champions off the scoreboard through tactical discipline and sheer work rate. But in the end, class told. Spain’s overwhelming control of possession and superior talent made the difference.
While Switzerland exit the tournament without a shot on target in the quarterfinal, they leave with pride and progress. Reaching the knockout stages for the first time in Euro history, they captivated home fans across four nearly sold-out fixtures. Spain, meanwhile, look ahead to a much tougher semifinal matchup against Germany.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: Spain takes out hosts
Spain 2 – 0 Switzerland
Scorers:
del Castillo (66’)
Pina (71’)
Match Stats:
Spain | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
Possession | 72.1% | 27.9% |
Shots | 23 | 4 |
Shots on Target | 6 | 0 |
Expected Goals | 3.71 | 0.12 |
Spanish Misses
Spain dominated the opening stages and had a golden chance to take the lead in the 7th minute after Caldentey drew a penalty with a slick move past Ivelj. But she couldn’t convert, dragging a weak shot wide of the post. The missed chances piled up, with Paredes hitting the post from a corner just before halftime. Despite the heavy possession and territorial dominance, Spain went into the break without a goal to show for it.
Blunt Swiss
Switzerland manager Pia Sundhage changed formations to cope with Spain’s fluid attacking style, and for much of the match, it worked. Reuteler played deeper to help cover the flanks, cutting off Spain’s wide threats. However, that shift left Benny isolated up front, and Switzerland never found the transitional moments they relied on earlier in the tournament. The result? Zero shots on target and minimal threat throughout.
Spanish Magic
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute. Bonmatí, surrounded by defenders, flicked a stunning backheel into the path of del Castillo, who finished calmly into the bottom corner. Just five minutes later, Spain struck again — Guijarro won the ball in Switzerland’s half and laid it off to Pina, who curled a beautiful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 2-0.
Clumsy Ending
Spain had a chance to stretch the lead even further late in the match. In the 85th minute, they earned a second penalty after del Castillo was fouled on the byline, but Putellas couldn’t capitalize — her shot was too central and was saved by Peng. Switzerland’s frustration peaked in stoppage time when Maritz was shown a red card for a last-player foul on Paralluelo, although minimal contact was made.
Pride in Defeat
Despite the loss, Switzerland can be proud of their tournament run. They made history by reaching the quarterfinals and kept the crowd energized throughout their home campaign. Spain, meanwhile, remain one of the tournament favorites and now turn their attention to a blockbuster semifinal against Germany.
Next Fixture – Semifinals
Spain vs Germany
