The opening match of Group B at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 brings an unmistakable sense of history and rivalry. On 3 July at the Stadion Wankdorf in Bern, La Roja face off against As Navegadoras in what promises to be a defining moment for both sides. For reigning world champions Spain, it is the beginning of a long-awaited quest to claim the one major trophy that still eludes them. For Portugal, it is a chance to rewrite their tournament legacy and finally break out of the group-stage glass ceiling.
Spain’s Golden Generation Eyes a Missing Crown
Spain arrive in Switzerland as the current FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Nations League holders. The rise of La Roja has been seismic. A team once considered tactically refined but brittle has evolved into an unstoppable force, blending youth, experience and intricate positional play. Their recent 3-1 friendly win over Japan and Nations League victories over England and Portugal serve as a chilling reminder of their quality.
Yet, despite this supremacy, Spain have never lifted the European Championship trophy. For a squad boasting serial winners and global stars, Euro 2025 is about legacy. It is the missing gem in the crown of a golden generation.
Aitana Bonmatí Returns to Anchor Midfield Mastery
Few players embody Spain’s dominance like aitana bonmatí. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as the best midfielder in world football, praised for her control, spatial awareness and unmatched technical intelligence.
A recent health scare — a case of viral meningitis — sparked concerns about her participation. But Bonmatí, speaking from her hospital bed, reassured fans:
“Fortunately, everything is going well. I hope to return soon.”
Manager Montse Tomé was clear in her stance:
Her return, just in time for the Euros, is a major boost to Spain’s title bid.
Alexia Putellas: The Soulful Return of a Legend
If Bonmatí is the metronome, alexia putellas is the emotional core. Having suffered ACL and meniscus tears that marred her previous European and World Cup campaigns, Putellas enters Euro 2025 with a point to prove and a nation’s hopes on her back.
“It wasn’t my knee that hurt, it was my soul,” she reflected. “And now I’ve got that feeling once again. I’m happy; the desire for these Euros is huge. I can’t wait to start, to go and give my everything.”
Her recovery has been both physical and emotional.
“The cruciate, the meniscus, the whole injury: you’ve closed that cycle. Done. I felt free.”
Her iconic status means alexia putellas jersey sales remain sky-high, as fans rally behind her long-awaited tournament comeback.
As for her private life, the sources used for this article do not contain any information about alexia putellas pareja.
Olga Carmona: A Captain in Red, A New Chapter in Blue
Olga Carmona comes into the tournament leading by example, having just signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
“Paris Saint-Germain is one of the best clubs in the world. Personally, I needed a new challenge and new ambitions, and I knew that PSG were interested in me. I decided to come to Paris, a new city with a new language, but I’m sure I’ll adapt quickly and I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge.”
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At just 24, Carmona is already a European U19 champion, a World Cup final scorer and now PSG’s newest weapon. Her words reveal ambition, maturity and focus:
“Even though I’m a young player, I think I’ve had some very important experiences, and I think I can bring that European experience to bear.”
“Ultimately, I’m an attacking player. I like to get involved in the attacking phases and I understand that defence is also a good form of attack.”
Jenni Hermoso: A Legacy Omitted, A Conscience Clear
No Spain squad announcement is complete without drama, and this year’s shock omission of Jenni Hermoso has left a void in the hearts of many supporters. Spain’s record goalscorer (57 goals in 123 appearances) played a key role in the 2023 World Cup win and featured in all six qualifiers for Euro 2025.
Still, she was left out.
“I truly have a clear conscience, especially when I remove environments with such bad energy from my life,”
Her absence follows a traumatic year. After the World Cup final, Hermoso was kissed without consent by then-federation president Luis Rubiales, who was later found guilty of sexual assault by Spain’s top criminal court and fined €10,800.
Manager Montse Tomé offered a performance-based rationale:
“We’ve assessed her performances for Tigres and spoken with her coach. In her position, we have Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Maite, Vicky and even Mariona or Pina.”
Even so, the omission feels like the closing of a chapter — one that shaped Spanish football forever.
Portugal’s Grit and Growing Respect
While Spain arrive with pressure and pedigree, Portugal enter with grit, unity and quiet ambition. Ranked 22nd in the world, they have never made it past the group stage of a major tournament. But this time, expectations are different.
“They used to look at Portugal as if to say ‘ah, it’s just Portugal’. Now it’s not like that. Now they face us with respect,” said Joana Marchão.
Under the steady leadership of Francisco Neto, Portugal qualified strongly and held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in their final warm-up. The team’s internal harmony is palpable, and with players like Tatiana Pinto offering experience and Kika Nazareth bringing youthful flair, they are more than just underdogs.
“Everyone knows Spain’s quality,” said midfielder Andreia Jacinto, “but we are in a European Championship, it’s football, anything can happen.”
Swiss Stage, Global Eyes: Stadion Wankdorf Prepares for a Classic
The iconic Stadion Wankdorf in Bern is ready to host this Iberian clash. With a capacity of over 30,000 and a rich footballing history, the venue is symbolic of the growth of the women’s game. Anticipation for Spain vs Portugal is high, with tickets selling fast and media interest growing across Europe.
This match is not just about points — it’s about presence, prestige and pride. It will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Iberian Youth Renaissance: The Kids Are More Than Alright
Beneath the stars, both squads bring fresh faces with game-changing potential. Kika Nazareth’s €500,000 move to Barcelona has already made her a household name. At just 21, her intelligence and eye for goal could cause Spain problems.
For La Roja, 18-year-old Vicky López is tipped as the heir to Spain’s midfield throne. With dazzling close control and fearless vision, she represents a bright future already making an impact.
This isn’t just a battle of nations — it’s a glimpse into the future of European football.
Final Whistle
The Iberian derby promises technical brilliance, personal redemption, and generational talent. Whether Spain take the next step in their golden legacy or Portugal shake the foundations of Group B, women’s euro 2025 will never be the same after Bern.
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