Euro 2025 Daily: Portugal honor Jota in Spain rout; Italy win

Thursday at Euro 2025 delivered a captivating blend of emotional tributes and fierce competition, highlighted by Portugal's dominant performance against Spain and Italy's hard-fought victory over Belgium. Fans across the continent were treated to a day of significant results that could shape the knockout stages.

The evening's emotional crescendo came in the Iberian derby, where Portugal delivered a resounding 3-0 defeat to their rivals, Spain. The atmosphere was charged from the outset, not just by the traditional rivalry, but by a poignant pre-match tribute to Diogo Jota. The forward, a crucial part of the Portuguese squad, was ruled out of the tournament just days prior due to a severe knee injury. The Portuguese players emerged wearing special armbands, and a giant banner bearing Jota's image and a message of solidarity was unfurled by the fans. Galvanized by this collective dedication, Portugal played with an intensity that Spain simply could not match. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring with a clinical finish midway through the first half, followed by a thunderous strike from Bruno Fernandes before the break. João Félix then sealed the comprehensive victory in the second half, completing a performance that left no doubt about Portugal's credentials and their desire to fight for their sidelined teammate.

Earlier in the day, Italy secured a vital 2-1 win over Belgium in a tightly contested affair. The Azzurri, known for their tactical discipline, showcased their resilience against a talented Belgian side. Italy took the lead through Nicolo Barella's opportunistic strike in the first half, only for Belgium to equalize after the break via a powerful header from Romelu Lukaku. The match appeared destined for a draw until a moment of individual brilliance from Federico Chiesa saw him weave past two defenders before unleashing a precise shot into the bottom corner in the dying minutes, sending the Italian supporters into raptures. The victory puts Italy in a strong position in their group, while Belgium will need to regroup quickly to keep their Euro 2025 hopes alive.

These results have significant implications for the tournament's progression. Portugal's emphatic win not only sends a clear message to other contenders but also puts them in pole position in their group, potentially securing an easier path in the knockout rounds. Spain, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle and will need to address their defensive frailties before their next fixture. Italy's hard-earned three points demonstrate their capability to win tough matches, a quality essential for any team eyeing the trophy. As Euro 2025 continues, every match carries immense weight, and Thursday's action certainly set a high bar for drama and quality.