Arsenal duo Mariona Caldentey and Lia Wälti were on opposite sides in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals- but it was Mariona who progressed, as Spain overcame a stubborn Switzerland side 2-0 to book their place in the last four.

The match featured both players in familiar, yet crucial roles for their national teams. Mariona started wide on the right for Spain, looking to create overloads and stretch the Swiss back line. Wälti, meanwhile, operated in her increasingly familiar role as a defensive anchor, often dropping into Switzerland’s back three to provide added stability and structure against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking sides.

Spain dominated possession but were frustrated for long spells. The first real chance fell to Mariona, who won a penalty in the 9th minute after a mistimed challenge from Nadine Riesen. But she couldn’t capitalise, firing her effort wide of the post — a rare miss from the spot that kept the game finely balanced.

Despite Spain’s territorial control and twelve first-half shots, the score remained 0-0 at the break, with Wälti marshalling a back line that allowed very few clear chances.

The breakthrough came after Mariona was substituted in the 62nd minute. Her replacement, Athenea del Castillo, made an instant impact, scoring just four minutes after coming on with a clinical finish to finally beat the outstanding Livia Peng in goal. Spain doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Claudia Pina, whose composed strike from the edge of the area gave the Spaniards breathing room.

Switzerland never recovered. A late penalty, won by Salma Paralluelo and taken by Alexia Putellas, was saved brilliantly by Peng, and a last-ditch foul from former Gunner Noelle Maritz in added time — resulting in a red card — summed up Switzerland’s increasingly desperate defence.

Wälti played the full 90 minutes and Mariona, despite the missed penalty, constantly looked to isolate defenders and open up space on the right flank.

Spain now move on to a semi-final clash against either Germany or France. Though the result didn’t go her way, Wälti can be proud to have captained host nation Switzerland in a landmark tournament for women’s football on home soil.