Zurich, Switzerland – World champions Spain have advanced to their first-ever UEFA Women’s European Championship final, defeating eight-time champions Germany 1-0 in a captivating semi-final clash at Stadion Letzigrund on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The decisive goal came in extra time from two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 World Cup final against England.
The match was a tactical battle that remained goalless through 90 minutes, despite Spain’s overwhelming possession. La Roja controlled 66.9% of the ball, attempting 22 shots compared to Germany’s 15. However, Germany, known for their formidable defensive prowess and resilience, particularly after playing over 100 minutes with 10 players in their quarter-final against France, held firm. As former England midfielder Fara Williams noted on BBC iPlayer, "This is the only game in the competition they [Spain] have faced a real challenge, an intense game." (BBC Sport)
German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger delivered a stellar performance, making eight crucial saves throughout the game, including a remarkable stop against Esther González in the first half. Spain also hit the woodwork once. On the other end, Spain’s Cata Coll was equally vital, making a diving save to deny Klara Bühl’s deflected strike and brilliantly stopping Carlotta Wamser’s follow-up effort just before the end of normal time, forcing the game into extra time. Rachel Brown-Finnis, former England goalkeeper, commented on Germany’s missed opportunities, stating, "That epitomises Germany’s night. Had opportunities, breached the back line, but haven’t been able to make it count." (BBC Sport)
The deadlock was finally broken in the 113th minute. Aitana Bonmatí, receiving a pass from Athenea del Castillo, executed a brilliant turn before squeezing a shot past Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post. The goal, initially debated as a potential cross, was hailed by experts as a moment of pure class from the world’s best player. Ellen White, England Euro 2022 winner, observed on BBC One, "I feel like she looked at Berger and her positioning and saw that near post open and it is a beautiful strike." (BBC Sport) Steph Houghton, former England captain, added on BBC Radio 5 Live that Bonmatí was "at the heart of everything Spain did" and got them through to their first European Championship final. (BBC Sport)
This victory marks a significant milestone for Spain, who had never previously beaten Germany in their history, including a recent loss in the bronze-medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Spain coach Montse Tomé had expressed confidence pre-match, stating, "We have not been able to beat them, but we have been closer and closer to beating them." (USA Today)
The win sets the stage for a highly anticipated final against reigning champions England. The two footballing powerhouses will clash on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 17:00 BST (12 p.m. ET) at St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. This final will be a repeat of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, where Spain emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. Football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling encounter between two of the sport’s elite teams.
