Switzerland Bow Out of Home EURO 2025 Tournament After 0-2 Loss Against Spain

Spain have booked their place in the Women’s EURO semi-finals for the first time since 1997, defeating hosts Switzerland 2 - 0 in an engrossing quarter-final clash in Bern.

📸via GettyImages - The Independent

Both teams entered the contest with contrasting narratives: Spain arrived as reigning World Cup champions and overwhelming favourites, while Switzerland were bidding to write history by reaching their first-ever quarter-final; an achievement met with passionate home support, seeing 25,000 Swiss fans joining the pre-game fan walk through Bern.

The opening 45 minutes saw Spain dominate possession but fail to convert opportunities into goals. In the 8th minute, Mariona Caldentey had a golden chance from the penalty spot after an early foul, but her effort drifted wide of the goal, keeping the two sides level.

Switzerland’s defence, anchored by goalkeeper Livia Peng, centre-backs Viola Calligaris and Lia Wälti, and captain Géraldine Reuteler, continued to stand firm under the heavy pressure of the current World Champions throughout the first half. However, a lack of urgency in transition limited Switzerland’s ability to relieve pressure or threaten on the counter, and the teams went into the interval goalless.

HALF-TIME 0-0

Spain’s breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute when Aitana Bonmatí produced a clever backheel assist to release substitute Athenea del Castillo, who calmly slotted home to open the scoring. Just five minutes later, Claudia Pina doubled their lead with a superb curling shot into the top corner, capitalising on a turnover involving Swiss captain Wälti. Spain’s performance highlighted their strength in depth and tactical discipline, with sustained pressure eventually leading to the goals that broke Switzerland’s resistance in front of a vocal crowd.

Despite a spirited Swiss response, their hopes crumbled late on when Alexia Putellas missed a penalty and Noëlle Maritz received a straight red card in stoppage time. This sealed the win for Spain and brought Switzerland’s inspiring tournament run to an end. 

Spain now await the winners of France vs Germany, confident that their blend of resilience and quality will serve them well in the semi-finals.