As defending world and Nations League champions, Spain headed into the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final as heavy favourites. Yet despite dominant performances throughout, including an agonising defeat to England in the shootout after a 1–1 draw, they departed Basel still wondering what more might have been done to lift the trophy.
Dominance That Didn’t Win
Spain impressed with their control and attacking intent, managing 24 shots on goal in the final and demonstrating fluidity and precision in midfield and attack. But while Mariona Caldentey’s 25th‑minute header gave them the lead, England’s Alessia Russo struck back to equalise. After that, Spain appeared to lose their cutting edge as they sought a decisive second goal, failing to break through persistent English resistance despite holding possession.
Tactical Reflections and Missed Chances
Spain’s coach Montse Tomé openly expressed her frustration, lamenting the missed opportunities and inefficiencies in critical moments. “We had some very good moments but just couldn’t finish the chances,” said captain Irene Paredes. “England were happy just to reach penalties but, in the shootout, we didn’t perform well. To be a champion you need some luck, and I believe they had it”.
Tomé also defended her selection of penalty-takers and substitutions during the match, especially the removal of Alexia Putellas, a decision criticised by some commentators who felt it diminished Spain’s offensive control late in the tie. Despite this, she insisted her team deserved more than the cruel outcome dictated by penalties .
Emotional Toll and Player Voice
The emotional weight of defeat was clear. Midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, named player of the tournament, described the result as “cruel,” apologising for missing her penalty but also underscoring that “we played better, created more scoring chances… sometimes that’s not enough in football.” Her remorse exemplified the collective heartbreak of a team that had delivered one of its most polished campaigns ever.
Paredes added that “it’s hard to look for the positives so soon. Right now, it’s a very tough moment.” Her comments revealed the deep sense of injustice felt in defeat, especially given Spain’s clear superiority in play .
Long-Term Questions
With a core group that has won both the World Cup (2023) and Nations League (2024), Spain’s next steps are now under scrutiny. Their failure to convert dominance into victory, especially at the Euros, has raised questions about mental toughness under pressure, penalty preparation, and match management in finals. Despite these doubts, Tomé noted the historic significance of the tournament and told the press that discussions should now shift to football, away from prior distractions surrounding federation controversies.
The Spanish media has been unforgiving, castigating aspects such as Kelly’s “cocky” penalty celebration and voicing impatience with the shootout performance. Diario AS, Marca, Mundo Deportivo, and others lamented that this generation, while brilliant, still lacks a European title—painting the final as an example of football’s unfairness.
The Path Ahead
Despite the anguish, there’s cautious optimism that this generation can learn and grow. Bonmatí asserted: “We will be back … there will be a World Cup in a couple of years, and that’s our goal now.” Filled with youth and technical quality, Spain remains one of the most compelling forces in global women’s football—if they can turn lessons into silverware.
Montse Tomé’s job security is already in question, as critics highlight strategic shortcomings. Still, the federation faces a balancing act between honoring a coach who has advanced Spain’s profile and demanding titles from one of its greatest squads.
Conclusions
Spain’s Euro 2025 exit will not be remembered for failures in talent or commitment—but for the failure to seal their dominance when it mattered most. Possession, chances, and quality were abundant—yet football’s unforgiving nature rendered it pointless in the final count. What remains now is introspection, resilience-building, and a steadfast belief that, given time and reflection, this golden generation can still rewrite its story on the biggest stages.
