JUST IN: Spain thrash Belgium in women’s Euros

Alexia Putellas scored twice and assisted two more goals as Spain underlined their credentials as Euro 2025 favourites with a convincing victory over Belgium at Stockhorn Arena

Having opened the scoring in 87 seconds against Portugal in their first game, Spain got off to a slower start in Thun.

Putellas broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish, although the lead lasted just two minutes as Justine Vanhaevermaet rose above the Spanish defence to nod home a Tessa Wullaert corner.

Spain restored their lead six minutes before the break as captain Irene Paredes, who had been suspended for La Roja's opening Group B success, found the net with a bullet header.

In a lively start to the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) was called into action to confirm Hannah Eurlings was onside when she shrugged off Ona Batlle to fire past Adriana Nanclares for Belgium's leveller.

But the world champions, once again, replied instantly, with Esther Gonzalez running on to a slick through-ball from Putellas and slotting home a clinical finish, before Mariona Caldentey poked in a fourth just past the hour mark.

Montse Tome's side dominated the remainder of the game, with Claudia Pina's wonderful curling strike nine minutes from time and Putellas' flicked finish rounding off an impressive display.

Their progression to the knockout stages will be confirmed if Italy avoid defeat against Portugal in Monday's late Group B match.

Wullaert had a late goal ruled out for offside as Belgium suffered a second successive loss in the group and will be eliminated if Italy win in Geneva.