World champions Spain beat Portugal 5-0 of their opening Ladies’s Euro 2025 recreation on what was an emotionally-charged event following the tragic dying of Liverpool ahead Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Each units of gamers wore black armbands in tribute to the siblings, who have been killed in a automotive accident in Zamora, a north-western province of Spain.
A minute’s silence was noticed earlier than kick-off – because it was within the earlier recreation and will likely be previous to Friday’s fixtures – whereas followers inside a markedly sombre Wankdorf Stadium in Bern displayed photographs, banners and messages in tribute to Jota and Silva.
Para sempre. 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝘁𝗮. ✨
𝗣𝗲𝗹𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗼. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/JW2gxCGkZc
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025
On the pitch, Spain, one of many pre-tournament favourites, laid down a sign of intent. 4 of La Roja’s targets got here throughout a dominant first-half show, with Esther Gonzalez (2), teenage sensation Vicky Lopez and captain-for-the-game Alexia Putellas all discovering the web.
Portugal defended extra resolutely after the break, however couldn’t forestall conceding a fifth aim late on when Cristina Martin-Prieto headed house deep into second-half stoppage time.
A squad affected by expertise at her disposal, Spain supervisor Montse Tome could have been buoyed by the return of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, who got here on for the ultimate 10 minutes simply days after being discharged from hospital the place she was handled for viral meningitis.
Elsewhere in Group B, Italy picked up all three factors with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Sion courtesy of a high-quality strike from Arianna Caruso.
A minute earlier than the break, Caruso collected a pin-point move from Lucia di Guglielmo contained in the field earlier than lashing a fierce effort into the highest nook.
For Italy, who’re many individuals’s choose for match darkish horses, it was a primary win of their opening recreation of a European Championship since 2009.
The Azzurre are subsequent in motion once they tackle a Portugal aspect with one thing to show on Monday in Thun, whereas Belgium meet a Spain aspect in red-hot kind on the identical day in Geneva.
Friday sees Group C get underway, with Denmark taking over neighbours Sweden in Lancy whereas Poland play 2022 finalists Germany in St Gallen.
