Aitana Bonmati says she’s feeling strong again ahead of Spain’s Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-final clash with hosts Switzerland, after recovering from a bout of viral meningitis that briefly put her tournament at risk.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to start Friday’s match in Bern, as reigning world champions Spain aim for their first-ever European Championship title.
Bonmati made her full tournament debut in Spain’s 3-1 win over Italy last week, which secured top spot in Group B with a perfect nine points. Illness had limited her to substitute appearances in earlier matches against Portugal and Belgium.
“It came out of nowhere. I was feeling great, then suddenly, bam—something unexpected, something tough,” Bonmati told reporters on Thursday. “Now I’m grateful to say I can play in the quarter-finals. These weeks have been difficult, and I just want to enjoy the game and give my best.”
On the other side, Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz is hoping the home crowd at Bern’s Wankdorf Stadium can inspire the team to reach the semi-finals of a major international women’s tournament for the first time.
“It’s an incredible feeling. We expected a great atmosphere, but playing in front of so many fans in such a big stadium is really something special,” said the Aston Villa full-back. “The energy from the crowd pushes us. When we equalised against Finland and saw the fans erupt, it was unforgettable.”
Switzerland face a daunting task against a high-scoring Spanish side that netted 14 goals in the group stage. But coach Pia Sundhage says her team is growing in confidence and learning to handle the pressure.
“There’s still pressure, but now it comes from within. We’ve reached a quarter-final—we have a chance,” said Sundhage. “Even during training, just playing five-a-side for a few minutes, we could feel the improvement. It’s a big step from where we were weeks ago.”
The winner of Friday’s match will face either France or Germany in the semi-finals in Zurich next Wednesday.
