Job done for Spain! Alexia Putellas flexes Ballon d'Or credentials with brace in thrashing of Belgium as La Roja close in on Euro 2025 knockouts

Spain netted six goals in a European Championship match for the first time, with Barcelona superstar Alexia Putellas bookending the scoring for La Roja to make it three for her in the tournament so far.

Belgium immediatley cancelled out Putellas' 22nd minute opener through Justine Vanhaevermaet, before Irene Paredes restored Spain's lead with a header in the closing stage of the first half. Hannah Eurlings brought Belgium back into it for a second time soon after the restart, only for Spain to run away with it. Goals from Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina – the pick of the goals from the edge of the box, and Putellas again all contributed to what was eventually a really one-sided win and another big statement.

Three years later than expected, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is having the Euros she was supposed to in 2022, tearing an ACL on the eve of the tournament back then. She still wasn’t fully herself when Spain won the World Cup a year later, but is now making up for lost time on the international stage. With current Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmati still not starting games – she was a half-time substitute in this one – having Putellas singing is not a bad trade-off.

Spain's defence is a clear weak point for the reigning world champions. Their opening 5-0 win over Portugal was a first clean sheet in a competitive fixture since the Olympic group stage 12 months ago. They conceded at least once in every UEFA Nations League game earlier this year and that 'normal service' resumed here. If an opponent is defensively strong enough to keep them out at the other end - which is admittedly a big 'if' - they are potentially vulnerable.

Spain could be mathematically confirmed as a quarter-finalist before they face Italy in their final group game on July 11. As long as Italy take a point against Portugal in Monday's late kick-off, La Roja cannot finish lower than second in the final group standings, whatever happens. But they are firmly expected to top the standings, which is likely to produce a favourable last eight encounter with either Switzerland or Finland.