World champions Spain booked their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 with a 2-0 victory over hosts Switzerland in Bern on Saturday, overcoming two missed penalties in a tense and tactical quarter-final clash.

Spain, who had scored in the first half of all their previous matches, were unusually subdued in the opening 45 minutes as Switzerland’s well-organised defence held firm. The early breakthrough nearly came in the 8th minute when Mariona Caldentey stepped up to take a penalty, but her effort went wide of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Aitana Bonmatí delivered a dazzling back-heel pass that split the Swiss defence, allowing substitute Athenea del Castillo on the pitch for barely three minutes to calmly finish and put Spain ahead.

Just minutes later, Claudia Pina doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike that curled into the top corner, leaving the Swiss goalkeeper with no chance.

Spain had an opportunity to add a third late in the game, but Alexia Putellas failed to convert a second penalty, capping a night of mixed fortunes from the spot for the visitors.

Switzerland’s challenge effectively ended when Noelle Maritz was shown a red card, reducing the hosts to 10 players for the closing minutes.

The win marks Spain’s first appearance in a European Championship semi-final since 1997 and reinforces their status as tournament favourites. They will face the winner of the France vs. Germany match on Wednesday, while England meets Italy in the other semi-final on Tuesday.