Spain, the world champions, convincingly defeated Portugal 5-0 in their first match of the European Women’s Championship Group B held in Bern. Before the game started, a minute of silence was observed in honor of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident.
Both teams wore black armbands as a sign of respect, and some fans displayed tributes to the late Liverpool striker Jota, who, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, lost his life in the accident in Spain.
Spain took an early lead by scoring two goals within the first seven minutes of the game.
Esther Gonzalez capitalized on Portugal's high defensive line, receiving a long ball from Olga Carmona and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Ines Pereira just 90 seconds into the match.
Before Portugal could recover, they conceded another goal when Vicky Lopez, an 18-year-old, converted a pass from Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey from the right side of the six-yard box.
Spain, who emerged victorious against European champions England in the 2023 World Cup final, continued to push forward as Barcelona winger Lopez missed two chances from outside the Portugal penalty area.
In the 20th minute, Portuguese fans stood up and chanted Jota's name in remembrance of the Liverpool player's shirt number.
Just before halftime, Spain scored two more quick goals within two minutes of each other.
Alexia Putellas cut inside to score the third goal in the 41st minute, and Claudia Pina's cross from the left found Gonzalez at the far post, who tapped in her second goal of the evening.
With a substantial lead, Portugal tightened their defense in the second half, limiting Spain's chances near their goal.
Portugal showed some attacking intent in the final 15 minutes, with Ana Capeta sending a shot just over the bar after a lofted pass into the Spanish penalty area.
Aitana Bonmati, Spain's Ballon d’Or winner, entered the game for the last nine minutes after being released from the hospital following treatment for viral meningitis.
To wrap up an impressive performance, Montse Tome’s team scored their fifth goal when substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto headed in a cross from Salma Paralluelo at the far post.