بدون بونماتي، لا قلق – إسبانيا تسجل حضورها القوي في بطولة أوروبا

Even with the recent health challenges faced by the Ballon d’Or winner and their first-choice goalkeeper, Spain began their journey in Euro 2025 as undeniable favorites.

The expectations soared even higher just 87 seconds into their opening match against Portugal. By the time they reached halftime, the conversation had shifted to who might possibly stop them in Switzerland.

The reigning world champions secured a 5-0 victory over Portugal, with four of those goals scored in the first half before Cristina Martin-Prieto headed in a late fifth goal.

It is essential to consider the context of this win. Spain had previously defeated Portugal with scores of 4-2 and 7-1 in the Nations League, so another comprehensive victory was anticipated.

In a somber atmosphere in Bern—owing to a moment of silence held for the passing of Portugal’s men’s international player Diogo Jota—Spanish fans remained subdued despite the succession of goals from their team. Their expectations of dominance are now the norm.

Yet, after the initial three games in Euro 2025, which featured six teams with apparent flaws and a lack of quality, this first half was a true statement by the world champions.

This stellar performance came despite a disrupted preparation. Aitana Bonmati, the current Ballon d’Or holder, was benched after recently recovering from a bout of viral meningitis. She made an appearance as a substitute late in the game.

The first-choice goalkeeper, Cata Coll, was an unused substitute after suffering from tonsillitis, with 23-year-old Adriana Nanclares getting the nod to start. Additionally, Irene Paredes was absent due to suspension.

So, were Spain vulnerable? The answer was clear in their first meaningful attack.

In the recent Nations League, Spain regained possession from high turnovers 114 times and scored five goals from those opportunities—the highest totals of any team. They overpower their opponents, and Portugal had no solutions.

Despite wearing the number nine shirt, Esther Gonzalez is not among the household names in Spain. Yet, at 32 years old and representing NY/NJ Gotham, she is the figurehead of the Spanish attack, converting opportunities created by the talent behind her.

Esther Gonzalez scored the opening goal with an expertly controlled shoulder pass before slotting it home.

With Aitana Bonmati absent, the team demonstrated their strength. When one world-class Spanish midfielder is unavailable, another seamlessly takes their place. Mariona Caldentey, the WSL player of the year, intricately assisted Vicky Lopez to make it 2-0.

At just 18 years old, Vicky Lopez has already won three Liga F titles with Barcelona and made history as their youngest female debutant.

Alexia Putellas, who preceded Bonmati as consecutive Ballon d’Or winner, scored the third goal with expert control and finish. She made a triumphant return to the Euros stage after missing 2022 due to a serious knee injury.

The fourth goal was brilliantly set up by left winger Claudia Pina, another Barcelona standout. She displaced 2023 World Cup heroine Salma Paralluelo from the starting XI. Pina navigated a chipped cross from the byline to assist Gonzalez for the final goal of the first half—an exceptional performance that should concern the other 15 nations.

Spain’s depth, from defense to attack, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Even with a new goalkeeper in her first competitive international, a clean sheet was maintained after nine matches.

Despite missing their most distinguished player, the rest of the team secured victory within the first eight minutes. The star player, who was hospitalized days earlier, came on for the final ten minutes and nearly scored with a well-saved low shot.

This achievement marked Spain’s largest margin of victory in a Women’s Euros match.

“It was a five-star performance,” said former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon. “Five goals, a clean sheet, and a variety of goals. It is exactly how you would want to start the tournament.”

Nonetheless, Spain has shown susceptibility, even after their World Cup victory against England in Sydney.

They experienced a surprising loss to the Czech Republic in qualifying and were defeated by England in the Nations League.

In the most recent major tournament, the 2024 Olympics, Spain did not secure a medal following defeats by Brazil and Germany.

Questions remain about the first female manager, Montse Tome, as this is her first senior role.

More challenging tests lie ahead. The Portugal team, with memories of heavy losses to Spain and the tragic news from Zamora, were outplayed.

“I believe Portugal made it easier for Spain,” observed former Spain international Vicky Losada. “To compete in the Euros, you need to be more competitive.”

Historically, success has not been a given for Spain. They have never won the Euros and last reached beyond the quarter-finals in 1997. They exited at the last eight in the past three continental tournaments.

If Spain clinches Euro 2025, they will be the second women’s team in history to win consecutive World Cup and European tournaments, following Germany’s five in a row between 2001 and 2009.

Considering the depth and youth of this Spanish team, similar dominance should not be discounted. This formidable performance in the first half could be just the beginning.

There is no question about it: Spain enters Euro 2025 as the favorites.