The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 continues with a thrilling Group B clash as Spain Women take on Belgium Women on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 18:00 CET (5 PM UK time) at Arena Thun (Stockhorn Arena) in Thun, Switzerland.
After contrasting opening results, this encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the knockout stage ambitions of both sides.
Tournament Context: A Crucial Group B Battle
Spain sent a resounding message to their Euro 2025 rivals with a 5-0 demolition of Portugal, while Belgium suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Italy, leaving them with little margin for error in this fixture. With only the top two teams guaranteed progression, Belgium must find a way to disrupt Spain’s rhythm or risk an early exit.
Spain’s Roaring Start: A Statement Victory
La Roja’s opening performance was nothing short of spectacular. Esther González announced herself with a first-half brace, while Vicky Lopez, Alexia Putellas, and substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto completed the rout. Spain led 4-0 at halftime, showcasing their ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
This victory marked Spain’s biggest-ever margin of victory at the Women’s Euros, underlining their status as tournament favorites. Former Spain midfielder Vicky Losada noted, “I personally think Portugal made it easy for Spain. If you want to do something in the Euros, you have got to compete.” Meanwhile, pundit Danny Gabbidon praised Spain’s display, calling it a “five-star performance… exactly how you want to start the tournament.”
Belgium’s Rocky Start: A Need for Redemption
Belgium’s campaign began on a sour note as Arianna Caruso’s 44th-minute curler condemned them to a 1-0 loss against Italy. The Red Flames struggled to regain momentum in the second half, with their hopes of back-to-back quarter-final appearances already under threat.
New head coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, appointed in January 2025, has demanded improvement after a passive first-half display. Her post-match fury following a 5-0 friendly loss to France earlier this year (“The first half was the worst we’ve played under my management… I take full responsibility.”) suggests she will demand a far more resilient performance against Spain.
Head-to-Head: A One-Sided Rivalry with Recent Drama
Spain and Belgium have become familiar foes in recent years, with La Roja dominating their encounters. In the Euro 2025 qualifiers, Spain secured a 7-0 away thrashing before a 2-0 home win. However, Belgium showed glimpses of promise in February’s Nations League thriller, where they led 2-0 with under 20 minutes left, only for Spain to mount a stunning comeback, scoring twice in stoppage time to win 3-2.
That match proved Belgium can trouble Spain—but their defensive frailties were exposed again in May’s 5-1 defeat. While Spain has won the last five meetings, Belgium has at least managed to score in the two most recent clashes, offering a glimmer of hope.
Tactical Breakdown: Spain’s Firepower vs. Belgium’s Resilience
Spain: The World Champions in Full Flow
As reigning World Cup and Nations League champions, Spain boasts a star-studded squad featuring Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Their possession-based, high-pressing game overwhelms opponents, with full-backs pushing high and midfielders dictating tempo.
Esther González, fresh off her brace, embodies Spain’s attacking mentality: “I only think about the pressure, helping my teammates, creating spaces… if I miss, I always think I’m going to score the next one.”
Belgium: Pragmatism and Counter-Attacking Threat
Under Gunnarsdóttir, Belgium has shifted toward a more organized defensive structure, likely deploying a low block to frustrate Spain. Captain Tessa Wullaert (Belgium’s all-time leading scorer) and veteran Janice Cayman will be crucial in transition.
Belgium’s best chance lies in exploiting Spain’s high defensive line with quick breaks, but they must avoid the lapses that cost them against Italy.
Prediction: Spain to Prevail, But Belgium Could Make It Interesting
Given Spain’s imperious form and Belgium’s struggles, a comfortable Spain win seems likely. However, Belgium’s recent ability to score against La Roja suggests they may find the net in a 3-1 or 4-1 defeat. If Belgium can replicate their first 70 minutes from February’s Nations League clash, an upset isn’t impossible—but Spain’s firepower should prove too much.
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