Ouahabi’s Spain into Euros semis with battling win over Beney’s Switzerland | OneFootball

Leila Ouahabi’s Spain reached the Euro 2025 semi-finals but were made to work for a 2-0 win over Iman Beney’s Switzerland.

Host nation Switzerland came into their first-ever Euros knockout tie as heavy underdogs but frustrated the reigning world champions for over an hour in Bern.

Beney, who’d lit up the tournament as a right wing-back during the groups, began proceedings as a forward for the Swiss, with tireless running almost yielding an early sight of goal.

However, the hosts were handed an early reprieve before that chance, when Spain failed to convert a penalty less than 10 minutes into the action, as Mariona Caldentey dragged an effort wide after a clumsy challenge from Nadine Riesen.

Switzerland knew they’d spend large portions without the ball, but Beney’s lively running in behind carved out their first chance of the game soon after, with her clever ball into the path of Noemi Ivelj intercepted at the last minute.

Beney and co. were under the cosh but doing well to frustrate their opponents, with Spain captain Irene Paredes heading against the post as half-time approached.

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The world champions would strike the woodwork two more times in quick succession after the restart, as Patri Guijarro’s looping header came back off the post, before Esther Gonzalez suffered the same fate.

Leila Ouahabi was introduced soon after the hour mark as Spain searched for the breakthrough, with Beney switching to the left flank.

And Switzerland’s stubborn resistance was finally broken three minutes later, when substitute Athenea del Castillo confidently slotted home Aitana Bonmati’s clever backheel inside the area.

Five minutes later and it was two, with the Swiss slow to react to losing the ball on the edge of their area before being punished by an exquisite Claudia Pina finish.

Switzerland were tiring in Bern, and Beney’s attempted sliding challenge to block a del Castillo cross resulted in a second penalty for Spain as stoppage time approached.

Alexia Putellas stepped up to do the honours, but again Spain were thwarted from 12 yards, this time when Livia Peng guessed right to punch away the two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s powerful drive.

A stoppage time red card for Noelle Maritz meant the hosts finished with ten after catching Salma Paralluelo on the counter, but neither side were able to mount another major chance in an exciting quarter-final tie.

Spain will face the winner of Saturday's final last eight match between France and Germany in the semis, with their next fixture taking place on Wednesday 23 July at 20:00 (UK).