Aitana Bonmatí's time, from the hospital to the quarterfinals against Switzerland in 28 days: "I came out stronger."

Switzerland doesn't want to remember that Aitana Bonmatí led a rout that led to their World Cup triumph just two years ago, their MVP as the tournament's best player, and their first Ballon d'Or . Switzerland is their starting point, also in this Euro Cup. Viral meningitis kept her on the bench for too long in the first round. It's been 28 days of "eternal progress," as she herself admits, and now she feels her time has come. Spain, led by a spectacular Alexia Putellas , didn't notice her absence, but they need all the talent now that the decisive phase of the tournament is approaching. It's Aitana's time.

She found herself out of a tournament where she hasn't left her mark. "I never thought I wouldn't be able to play, but there were five days left and I felt a bit far away. You know my mentality. Talking about emotions is healthy. Bad moments help bring out the best, and I've brought out a stronger Aitana," she acknowledged hours before the match against Switzerland. That player has yet to appear in the statistics of a tournament where she was destined to shine. She needs to improve her numbers. She has played 144 minutes, only one start and one full game, against Italy, and her record is uncharacteristic: only two shots on goal. "My last 90 minutes were in the Copa de la Reina final on June 8. Being in a hospital bed for four or five days out affected me, and my return has been like coming back from an injury . But the best thing was done for my health," she admitted.

His return to a midfield where Alexia and Patri Guijarro , Spain's only two MVPs so far, shine, is expected to be electrifying. "I want to enjoy myself, and I expect everything from this team. I don't know if we've seen the best Spain yet, but more competitive matches are coming: either you win or you're gone. Now comes the best," he predicted.

"A challenge to defend it"

Spain is looking to make history again by reaching the semifinals 28 years later in a state of discord, which for Aitana means "pressure for them." Switzerland is pursuing an even bigger challenge. "It's the match in capital letters," emphasized veteran Pia Sundhage , who is committed to shielding herself against what could be a storm. "We must be patient and together. We have to be connected," she warned. They will keep an eye on the return of the two-time Ballon d'Or winner: "It's a challenge to defend her," acknowledged center Noelle Maritz .

Beyond that, they've barely thought about football. Their preparation has focused on the emotional. This is Switzerland's big moment, with an entire country behind them. That's why the players and coaching staff have taken refuge in epic moments. "We've shared stories, and that's good," said the coach. One of them was the men's national team's victory over Spain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa . A goal by Gelson Fernandes , taking advantage of rebounds and the lack of understanding between Iker Casillas and Gerard Piqué , gave them a victory against the team that would later become world champions. "Those stories give us energy," added Sundhage. The eternal tale of David versus Goliath.

It's not the only motivating memory the Swede has found to inspire her players. The so-called ' Miracle of Bern' took place at the Wankdorf Stadium during the 1952 World Cup. Germany , a team from a country devastated by World War II, was crowned champion by coming back from two goals down against Hungary . Once again, the underdogs are dominating the greats, who are in full form. And not just because of Aitana's return. Cata Coll will also make her debut between the sticks, and Esther , recovered, will look to make her way to the top scorer list.