Esther González scored twice as world champions Spain sent a clear message by thrashing Portugal 5-0 in their opening match of the Women’s European Championship on Thursday.
The 32-year-old González, who became Spain’s oldest player to feature in the tournament, opened the scoring before 18-year-old Vicky López, the youngest in the squad, added the second goal.
Spain captain Alexia Putellas was also on the scoresheet, signaling her readiness to lead the side to success after missing Euro 2022 due to a knee injury. Spain had exited that tournament in the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champions England.
“We’ve been saying for a long time how motivated we are for this Euro, and now we had to prove it. We have reasons to be satisfied,” Putellas told Spain’s TVE.
Cristina Martin-Prieto sealed the win with a stoppage-time header.
González wasted no time, scoring after just 87 seconds with a clever flick past Portuguese goalkeeper Inês Pereira, who endured a busy night.
Although Pereira managed to stop a cross, she couldn’t prevent Mariona Caldentey from setting up López for a simple finish soon after.
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A Mexican wave started among the nearly 30,000 spectators at Wankdorf Stadium — home to Swiss club Young Boys, whose women’s team shares the same name — just 24 minutes into the game.
Spain controlled possession with a polished first-half display, constantly offering passing options and leaving Portugal chasing shadows.
Putellas narrowly missed, Pereira denied Clàudia Pina, but the third goal came in the 41st minute when Putellas showcased superb control to beat a defender and score.
González added her second two minutes later, converting the rebound after Pina’s effort struck the post.
Spain's second-half performance dipped slightly, though Martin-Prieto added a fifth in stoppage time.
Star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, remained on the bench until the 81st minute, having recently recovered from viral meningitis.
“She’s a crucial player for us and we’re happy she’s recovered. Hopefully, she’ll be back to her best soon,” Putellas said of Bonmatí.
A minute’s silence was held before kickoff for Portugal and Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident with his brother the previous night.
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Earlier in Group B, Italy defeated Belgium 1-0. Spain will face Belgium next on Monday.
Source: Agency