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Spain - Portugal: Women's EURO kicks off with sights set high

The women's national team is already underway at Euro 2025 and this Thursday will face Portugal in its first match of the tournament (21:00h, in Bern). Montse Tomé's group begins a new adventure with the ambition of lifting the only major trophy still missing in their trophy cabinet: the European Championship. The world champions arrive in a moment of stability and with the label of favorites -although they insist on avoiding it-, ready to forget old ghosts and leave behind the most turbulent years of the locker room.

The rival is well known. Portugal already tested the level of Spain just two months ago in the Nations League, where they conceded two thrashings: 2-4 at home and a resounding 7-1 in Vigo. Even so, no one is confident. Tomé and his players warn that this debut will be no walkover. The Portuguese have already made it clear that they do not need to have possession to cause damage: order at the back, speed up front and quick transitions. That is the plan that La Roja will have to deactivate if they want to start off on the right foot.

The Spaniards arrive with some medical complications. Aitana Bonmatí, recently released from hospital due to viral meningitis, is in the call-up list, but will not play in this first match. The double Golden Ball is already training with her teammates, which relieves the coaching staff, although it is still an important casualty. Irene Paredes, suspended after a sending-off in the qualifiers, will not be in the squad either. Two sensitive absences in defense and in creation, although Montse is fully confident in the depth of her squad.

On the other hand, goalkeeper Cata Coll, who was suffering from tonsillitis, has finally been included in the starting eleven. On the other hand, Alba Redondo, who was expected to start up front, was left out of the group in the last training session due to muscular discomfort.

Spain's likely eleven for their Euro debut is: Cata Coll in goal; Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, María Méndez and Olga Carmona in defense; Patri Guijarro, Vicky López and Alexia Putellas in midfield; and Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo and Esther González as the attacking trident.

Portugal will probably field this eleven: Inês Pereira in goal; Diana Gomes, Carole Costa, Ana Borges and Catarina Amado at the back; Andreia Jacinto, Dolores Silva, Tatiana Pinto and Andreia Norton in the middle; and Jessica Silva and Diana Silva up front.

Spain shares a group with Italy and Belgium, two teams that, on paper, should not prevent La Roja from reaching the quarterfinals. However, as one of the players said in the pregame: “If we don't win today, there's no point in thinking about titles”. The message is clear: step by step. No more looking beyond the next game.

After the Olympic fiasco, the rebellion of the 15, the change of coach and months of extra-sporting headlines, this team is back to focusing on the only thing that matters: playing. With a squad full of talent, experience and hunger for glory, Spain is beginning its assault on the continental throne. And although the road will be long, it all begins tonight. In Bern, against Portugal, the reconquest begins.