Clear victory against Portugal: Top favorite Spain celebrates perfect start to the European Championship
In front of 29,520 spectators—a new European Championship group stage record for a match without host participation—Spain lived up to its role as favorites. La Roja laid the foundation for victory against Portugal even before halftime.
Vicky, Esther, and Alexia (from left) all scored against Portugal. IMAGO/Anadolu Agency
The fact that hopeful Aitana was released from the hospital after suffering from meningitis a few days before the start of the tournament at least brought a small sigh of relief in the Spanish camp. However, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner was not enough to make the starting eleven; instead, she was replaced by 18-year-old Vicky, just as she had been in the dress rehearsal against Japan ( 3-1 ).
Portugal, on the other hand, which had only managed a 0-0 draw with Nigeria in the final friendly, had already lost twice to Spain in the Nations League in April ( 2-4 , 1-7 ). This did not bode well for the Portuguese, who were also without their injured key player Kika (on the bench).
Dream start for SpainLa Roja, on the other hand, proved their clear favorites early on – despite the fact that, in addition to the suspended defensive leader Paredes, regular goalkeeper Cata Coll (tonsillitis) was also unavailable. While reserve goalkeeper Nanclares was only making her third appearance between the posts, she witnessed her teammates get off to a dream start. Esther fired home a technically challenging goal after just 88 seconds to take the lead.
But that wasn't enough. The reigning world champions kept up the pressure almost throughout the entire first half. The result: After just seven minutes, Aitana's substitute Vicky doubled the lead with a pass from Mariona.
Double blow before the breakMeanwhile, Portugal could thank goalkeeper Ines Pereira for keeping further goals at bay, at least for the time being. The 1.70-meter-tall goalkeeper was on hand to stop both Esther (18') and Pina (18'/35').
In the 41st minute, however, the Portuguese goalkeeper also had to admit defeat after Alexia had quickly outmaneuvered her opponent Diana Gomes. The Spanish captain then slotted home into the near post, setting up a double before the break. Just two minutes later, Esther effortlessly slotted home La Roja's 4-0 lead.
Portugal stops Spain's offensive fireworksAt the restart, Spain failed to launch another lightning-fast attack, although Alexia fired a shot just a few meters wide from the goal (47'). Thanks in part to a double substitution, the Portuguese found a bit more defensive stability, but the favorites continued to dominate.
However, rare forward attacks in the second half failed to create any goal-scoring opportunities, as Catarina Amado, for example, lost the ball in the opponent's penalty area in the 63rd minute. Meanwhile, Spain slowed down a bit, but continued to search for gaps in the final third.
Martin-Prieto secures the final scoreIn the final quarter of an hour, the Portuguese women created their first big chance, but Ana Capeta was unable to capitalize (75'). Spain's substitute Martin-Prieto finally made it better in stoppage time, powerfully heading in Paralluelos' cross to make it 5-0 (90+3').
| stadium | Wankdorf Stadium |
| Viewers | 29,520 |
After their well-deserved opening victory, in which Aitana also played a brief role after being substituted on in the 81st minute, the Spanish women's campaign continues on Monday evening against Belgium (6 p.m.). Portugal will face Italy three hours later.
