Spain Advances To Euro 2025 Semi-Finals With 2-0 Victory Over Switzerland Despite Penalty Misses

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Spain secured a place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Switzerland, despite missing two penalties. Mariona Caldentey missed her penalty wide, and Alexia Putellas had her shot saved by Livia Peng. However, goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina ensured victory for the reigning world champions. Spain will face either France or Germany in the next round.

Early in the match, Spain had a chance to lead when Caldentey was fouled by Nadine Riesen inside the box. Caldentey took the penalty but missed to the left. Later, Irene Paredes hit the woodwork as Spain dominated with 36 touches in Switzerland's box during the first half, setting a record for most touches without scoring since 2013.

Montse Tome's team continued to press for a goal. On the hour mark, Patri Guijarro's header hit the post, followed by Esther Gonzalez also striking the woodwork during a goalmouth scramble. The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Aitana Bonmati's backheel pass set up Del Castillo to score into the bottom-right corner.

Spain doubled their lead shortly after Del Castillo's goal when Pina curled a stunning shot into the top-right corner. Switzerland argued that Lia Walti was fouled during the build-up. Despite another penalty opportunity for Spain after Del Castillo was fouled by Iman Beney, Peng saved Putellas' attempt.

Switzerland's woes increased when Noelle Maritz received a red card for fouling Salma Paralluelo as the last player. Spain maintained their lead to secure victory and advance further in the tournament.

Data Insights: Spain vs Switzerland

Spain recorded an impressive 3.71 expected goals (xG) compared to Switzerland's 0.12, largely due to Pina's three shots on target. Pina has scored five times in her last six games for Spain across all competitions. She joins Lieke Martens and Fran Kirby as one of only three players since 2013 with two goals from outside the box in UEFA Women's tournaments.

This victory marks Spain’s first semi-final appearance at the Women's Euros since 1997. They have won all four matches this year, just one less than their total wins in their first four editions combined (W5 D3 L8). However, they might need more practice on penalties before their next match.

Spain became the first team since Norway against Germany in 2013 to miss two penalties in a Women's Euros game with misses from Caldentey and Putellas. Overall, only 12 out of 25 penalties have been converted at this year's tournament (48%).