UEFA WOMEN’S EURO Two for Putellas as Spain hit Belgium for six
THUN: Alexia Putellas scored twice and assisted two more goals as Spain underlined their credentials as Euro 2025 favourites with a convincing victory over Belgium at Stockhorn Arena.
Spain, having opened the scoring in 87 seconds against Portugal in their first game, made a slower start in Thun.
Putellas broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish, although the lead lasted only two minutes as Justine Vanhaevermaet rose above the Spanish defence to nod home a Tessa Wullaert corner.
Spain restored their lead six minutes before the break as captain Irene Paredes, who had been suspended for La Roja’s opening Group B success, found the net with a bullet header.
In a lively start to the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) was called into action to confirm Hannah Eurlings was onside when she shrugged off Ona Batlle to fire past Adriana Nanclares for Belgium’s leveller.
But the world champions, once again, replied instantly, with Esther Gonzalez running on to a slick through-ball from Putellas and slotting home a clinical finish, before Mariona Caldentey poked in a fourth just past the hour mark.
Montse Tome’s side dominated the remainder of the game, with Claudia Pina’s wonderful curling strike nine minutes from time and Putellas’ flicked finish rounding off an impressive display.
Their progression to the knockout stages was confirmed later on Monday when Portugal and Italy drew 1-1. That result also eliminated Belgium.
Portugal kept their hopes alive when Diana Gomes scored an 89th-minute equaliser.
Italy, who would have secured a spot in the knockout stages with a win, had taken the lead through captain Cristiana Girelli in the 70th minute.
The draw means world champions and Group B leaders Spain advance to the quarter-finals while bottom side Belgium are eliminated.
In the final minute of the match, Portugal captain Ana Borges was sent off after she was shown a second yellow card for a late trip on Barbara Bonansea.
Italy will reach the quarter-finals if they draw with Spain on Friday and will also be through whatever happens if Portugal fail to beat Belgium on the same day.
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