Putellas, Lopez and Gonzales shine as Spain dismantle Portugal at Euro 2025 | OneFootball

Spain captain Alexia Putellas was one of the standout stars as the World Champions flattened Portugal 5-0 in their opening Euro 2025 match in Bern.

The World Champions got up and running within moments, as Olga Carmona’s looping through ball was finessed into the back of the net by Gotham FC forward Esther Gonzalez. Matters were made worse for Portugal just moments later, as 18-year-old Vicky Lopez got on the end of a pin-point delivery from Mariona Caldentey in the channel to double Spain’s lead.

Portugal lacked conviction all evening, too often sending a ball long in the hopes that Jessica Silva could make a miracle happen in Bern. It didn’t take long before Spain capitalised on that vulnerability, firing another two goals into the back of the net before half time.

The third came from Spanish captain and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who fired home another precise delivery from Caldentey. Before Portugal were even given a minute to breathe, the World Champions pounced once again. Esther drew blood once more, bringing the scoreline to 4-0 before the interval.

Spain put the final nail in the coffin in the final moments of the fixture as Cristina Martin-Prieto headed home another excellent delivery from the channel.

The victory in Bern leaves Spain in a superb position heading deeper into the group stages, currently sitting three goals clear of Italy, who claimed a 1-0 win over Belgium elsewhere in Group B.

Vicky Lopez shines on the biggest stage

Replacing two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati is no easy feat, but 18-year-old Vicky Lopez lapped up every minute of it. The Barcelona baller played with fluidity and technical prowess, slicing through the Portugal midfield with ease.

Putting on a display far beyond her years, Lopez’s growing talent knows no ceiling.

Alexia Putellas is the world’s best

There is no player who loves the international stage more than Alexia Putellas. The Spanish captain made that clear at Stadion Wankdorf, leading her side to victory in their opening match of Euro 2025.

The two-time Balon d’Or winner’s ability to be both physically imposing and technically majestic is unlike any player we’ve seen before, yet she still somehow manages to become even better.

Putellas’ goal to give Spain the 3-0 advantage summed up her night, after a skilful chest down to her feet allowed her to guide her strike into the bottom corner with class.

Esther Gonzalez bags a brace in Bern

With two goals to her name after matchday one, Esther has already put her name in the race for the golden boot. The NWSL striker, who is currently in season stateside, was lively across the frontline, floating into pockets and dismantling Portugal’s last line.

Scoring the opening goal inside of just one minute, Esther’s tricky outside of the boot finish set the tone for Spain’s evening. Portugal were not given a single moment to reset as Esther’s constant movement and hunger for possession spread them thin.

If the game wasn’t already buried, it sure was just before the stroke of half time as the Gotham striker bagged her brace with a clinical finish.