In a breathtaking display of fluid attacking football and midfield mastery, Spain’s Women’s National Team began their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign in style with a resounding 5-0 victory over neighbors Portugal at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Spearheading the commanding win was the legendary Alexia Putellas, who not only found the net but orchestrated the Spanish dominance from midfield, reminding the footballing world why she remains one of the sport’s brightest stars.
This match was more than just a group-stage game—it was a statement of intent by the reigning World Champions, as they laid down a marker for the rest of Europe to chase. From the first whistle to the last, Spain imposed their identity: possession-based, technically brilliant, and ruthlessly efficient.
Opening Night Buzz in Helsinki
The atmosphere was electric inside the Helsinki Olympic Stadium as over 35,000 spectators filled the historic venue, witnessing what many predicted would be a clash between two rising Iberian powers. The excitement was palpable as fans from across the continent gathered to kick off a tournament expected to be the most competitive Women’s Euro yet.
Portugal, arriving in Finland with an impressive qualifying campaign and a crop of exciting young talent, hoped to spring a surprise against their more decorated rivals. However, it became clear within minutes that Spain had other plans.
Spain’s Ruthless First Half The Alexia Effect
It took only 12 minutes for Spain to find the breakthrough. A sweeping move involving Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí found Alexia Putellas at the top of the box. With one touch to control and another to shoot, she sent a curling strike into the top right corner, leaving Portugal’s goalkeeper Inês Pereira rooted.
It was a goal that highlighted not just Putellas’s technical brilliance, but her composure and intelligence—hallmarks of a player who has won multiple Ballon d’Or Féminin awards.
From that moment, Spain shifted into top gear.
By the 25th minute, the lead was doubled when Esther González capitalized on a defensive mix-up, slotting in a tidy finish after a delightful through-ball from Putellas, who continued to dictate the tempo from the heart of midfield.
Before the halftime whistle, it was 3-0. This time, a short-corner routine ended with Olga Carmona blasting home from the edge of the area. The goal was as much a demonstration of tactical preparation as it was technical execution.
Portugal Struggle to Keep Up
Portugal’s women’s side, while improved in recent years and boasting promising names like Jessica Silva and Andreia Norton, appeared overwhelmed by the intensity and precision of Spain. Their attempts to press were easily bypassed, and when they sat deep, Spain patiently picked them apart.
The lack of possession—Portugal had just 27% of the ball—meant they rarely tested Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, who had a quiet evening between the sticks.
Coach Francisco Neto admitted post-match that his side “had no answers” to Spain’s pressure and quality, though he remained optimistic about the remaining group games.
“Spain were better in every aspect today,” Neto said. “But we must recover, regroup, and move on. This tournament is far from over.”
Second-Half Show More Goals More Dominance
Spain didn’t ease off after the break. Instead, they showcased their squad depth and continued attacking in waves.
In the 58th minute, Salma Paralluelo, who had come on for Esther González, added a fourth with a blistering solo effort. The Barcelona forward, only 21 years old, beat two defenders before calmly finishing into the far corner—another example of Spain’s golden generation maturing rapidly.
The fifth and final goal came from Aitana Bonmatí in the 75th minute, capping off her dazzling midfield performance. After a quick one-two with Putellas just outside the box, Bonmatí glided past her marker and chipped the keeper with a delightful finish.
Putellas, who had been involved in three of the five goals, received a standing ovation when she was substituted in the 80th minute. The stadium announcer’s voice was nearly drowned by the chants of “Ale-xia! Ale-xia!” echoing around the stands.
Tactical Masterclass by Montse Tomé
Credit must also go to Spain’s head coach Montse Tomé, who succeeded Jorge Vilda after the 2023 World Cup. Her tactics were spot-on. She opted for a 4-3-3 system that emphasized fluid movement between the midfielders and forwards.
With Bonmatí playing slightly deeper to allow Putellas more freedom higher up the pitch, Spain created overloads in central areas and forced Portugal’s defensive block into disarray. The use of fullbacks—particularly Ona Batlle—stretching the field gave Spain consistent width and allowed their midfielders to exploit pockets of space.
Tomé’s decision to rotate key players in the second half while maintaining tempo showed maturity in game management, especially important in a tightly packed tournament schedule.
A Night to Remember for Putellas
For Alexia Putellas, this match wasn’t just about starting the Euros with a win—it was a personal triumph. After recovering from a serious ACL injury in 2022 and returning to full fitness gradually, many questioned whether she would ever reach her peak again.
But against Portugal, she looked like the Alexia of old—commanding, elegant, decisive.
“This win is for our fans and everyone who believed in us,” Putellas said after the match. “Personally, it’s a proud moment to be back at this level and helping my team. But we’re just getting started.”
Her performance was rewarded with the Player of the Match accolade, and it’s clear she remains the heartbeat of this Spanish side.
Reaction Around the Football World
Football fans and analysts were quick to react to Spain’s performance, with many calling it the “most complete team display” of the opening round. Several pundits have now placed Spain as firm favorites to win Euro 2025.
Former England international Karen Carney, speaking on UEFA’s broadcast, called Spain “untouchable in this form.”
“They were surgical. The chemistry between Putellas and Bonmatí is otherworldly. No other midfield duo in this tournament can match them technically.”
Even rival coaches praised the Spanish display. Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, whose team plays Spain later in the group stage, said, “It’s a joy and a challenge to face them. If you love football, you love watching Spain.”
What It Means Going Forward
Spain’s 5-0 demolition of Portugal places them atop Group B, giving them a clear advantage in progressing to the quarterfinals. With upcoming fixtures against Germany and Scotland, Spain will aim to maintain their momentum and seal top spot early.
For Portugal, the road gets tougher. They now face a must-win match against Scotland to revive hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
More importantly, Spain’s win is a warning to the rest of Europe. The reigning World Champions are not content with just past glories—they are hungry, focused, and filled with a depth of talent that could lead them to continental glory once again.
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