Aitana Bonmatí once again proved why she is regarded as the best in the world, delivering a moment of magic in extra time to send Spain into their first-ever UEFA Women’s Euro final. With the match goalless after 90 tense minutes in Basel, Bonmatí’s 113th-minute winner was the decisive blow in a tightly contested battle against perennial powerhouse Germany.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner showed composure and class when it mattered most, turning sharply on the edge of the box before drilling a low strike that snuck past German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. It was a fitting end to a cagey encounter where both teams showed grit, discipline, and flashes of attacking flair, but failed to find the breakthrough in regulation time.
Germany responded with urgency in the dying moments, throwing everything forward. Substitute Lea Schuller came close to equalising, but Spanish keeper Cata Coll, calm and commanding throughout, produced a diving save to preserve La Roja’s slender lead and secure a famous win.
Nail-Biting Semi-Final After Dominant Spanish Campaign
Spain arrived in the semi-finals with an impeccable record—three emphatic group-stage wins and a commanding 2-0 victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals. But standing in their way was Germany, the tournament’s most decorated side with eight titles to their name and a never-say-die attitude that saw them overcome France in dramatic fashion despite being reduced to 10 players for over 100 minutes.
Both sides battled for control in a midfield war of attrition. Spain dominated possession (66.9%) and kept probing, but Germany’s compact defensive structure and Berger’s shot-stopping heroics kept them at bay. Meanwhile, the Germans looked to counter, with Klara Bühl and Giovanna Hoffmann posing threats early on.
As normal time wound down, Germany nearly stole it. A deflected shot from Bühl almost caught Coll off guard, but the Barcelona keeper clawed it away before denying Carlotta Wamser’s rebound. It was a warning Spain heeded, and in extra time, Bonmatí delivered.
Superstars Shine: Bonmatí, Berger and Bühl Lead the Charge
In a match of fine margins, individual brilliance stood out. Aitana Bonmatí, already the face of Spain’s footballing renaissance, delivered the defining moment with her match-winner and orchestrated play throughout. When head coach Montse Tomé introduced Salma Paralluelo and Athenea del Castillo in the second half, the momentum shifted. Paralluelo’s pace and positioning added urgency, though she couldn’t convert her chances.
Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger was again sensational. The Chelsea goalkeeper, who starred in the quarter-final shootout win over France, made a string of vital saves—including a fingertip stop from Bonmatí earlier—to keep her side in contention.
Klara Bühl, too, impressed. Her explosive runs and defensive tracking helped blunt Spain’s wide threats. She nearly became Germany’s hero, only to be denied by Coll’s reflexes. Despite the defeat, Bühl’s all-round display underlined her importance to Christian Wück’s team.
Key Records Broken on an Emotional Night
This historic clash saw several records shattered. Germany, the tournament’s most successful nation, were eliminated in a Women’s Euro semi-final for the first time since 1993, halting a run of seven straight final appearances at this stage.
For Spain, it was a landmark victory—their first ever win over Germany in nine meetings, having previously drawn three and lost five. Bonmatí’s winner was symbolic of a new era in European football, one where La Roja has finally emerged from under Germany’s long shadow.
Meanwhile, Ann-Katrin Berger’s performance ensured she remains the goalkeeper with the most saves at Euro 2025—23 in total—highlighting the immense pressure she withstood in this tournament.
England Awaits: Another Showpiece Against the Spain
Next up for Spain is a much-anticipated rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where they edged England 1-0 courtesy of Olga Carmona’s first-half strike. The final will take place this Sunday at St Jakob-Park in Basel (17:00 BST), with both sides chasing continental glory.
While Spain will enter with confidence after a hard-earned win over Germany, Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will be eager for redemption, still haunted by the narrow World Cup defeat. It promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Euro 2025.
Germany, though out of the Euros, will regroup and return to action in October for a Nations League semi-final clash with France. Christian Wück’s resilient side may have fallen short, but they exit with pride and promise for the future.
