ZURICH (July 23, 2025) – Spain’s women’s national football team has booked a place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final for the first time, overcoming Germany in a tense 1–0 victory after extra time. Aitana Bonmatí, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, produced the decisive moment in the 113th minute, firing home from a tight angle after recognizing that goalkeeper Ann‑Katrin Berger had left the near post exposed.
Dominance Marginalized by German Organization
Despite commanding possession for much of the match—Spain controlled the ball but rarely converted dominance into clear scoring chances—Germany remained resolute. Captain Irene Paredes hit the woodwork in the first half, while keeper Cata Coll executed a remarkable double save in stoppage time to push the contest into extra time. Germany, missing key defensive figures through injury and suspension, maintained a compact and disciplined structure, limiting Spain’s attacking threats until fatigue began to set in.
Bonmatí’s Moment of Genius
The breakthrough arrived late in extra time when Athenea del Castillo intercepted a clearance and laid the ball off to Bonmatí, who executed a perfectly planned strike into the corner past Berger. Post-match, Bonmatí revealed that the move was rehearsed: “We studied it… the goalkeeper left the near post clear”. This strike delivered a landmark win: Spain had never beaten Germany in a major women’s tournament before this match.
A Landmark Achievement for Spain
With this victory, Spain advance to the Euro final for the first time, setting up a dramatic showdown with reigning champions England in Basel on Sunday. The win also ends a 13-game run against Germany, and marks their tenth straight victory in the tournament, underlining their current dominance in international women’s footbal.
Germany’s Courageous Exit and Bright Future
Germany were denied a place in the final despite a display of grit and well-drilled defending. Goalkeeper Berger, who had been a hero in the quarter-final, took responsibility for the loss, acknowledging her failure to cover the near post. Coach Christian Wück and players like Rebecca Knaak and Sara Daebritz expressed optimism about building on this performance, citing the emergence of young talent and strong collective spirit as foundations for future success.
What Lies Ahead
- Spain will face England in the final—an echo of the 2023 World Cup final—on July 27 in Basel, chasing their first Women’s Euro title.
- With a trophy at stake, Spain aim to become the first team to simultaneously hold both the World Cup and European Championship since Germany nearly 15 years ago.
Spain’s breakthrough in Zurich represents a new milestone for their golden era in women’s football. Thanks to Bonmatí’s brilliance and their unwavering perseverance, they now stand a shot at continental glory—and history awaits in Basel.
