Spain played incredibly well and pulled off an impressive 1-0 upset over Germany in the semi-final of the Women’s Euro 2025. In doing so, they booked their place in the final against England. It was a difficult evening overall that would see plenty of near misses, acrobatic stops, and great opportunities for both teams. Spain’s Aitana Bonmati indeed was the difference-maker, scoring the lone goal in the tight game.
The unique quality of the game was its intensity from the beginning. Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring for Spain in the first half with a beautiful volley. She launched a laser-focused shot to the near post, sliding it underneath German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. This goal didn’t just happen by accident. It was a shame, as the Spanish team studied well, taking the time beforehand to analyse Berger’s positioning, placing a focus on exploiting her habit of stepping out from her near post.
Germany mounted spirited attacks, looked dangerous and created opportunities to pull level. Lea Schuller came into the match with less than ten minutes to go to ignite their attack. Schuller wasted little time announcing her arrival with a stunning long-range shot. Spanish goalkeeper Catalina Coll was equal to the task and made an impressive save to keep her out. Germany came from behind and gained momentum, making for an exhilarating environment. Schuller took an early opportunity and lined up a powerful free kick that curled narrowly over the bar.
While in the first half, Germany looked impressive but without the killer instinct. Bühl’s flick-on would have been a superb goal for Germany if not for Coll’s incredible reflexes to deny that one too. Germany’s earned corner registered their first telling offensive action but Spain dealt with them comfortably. The half ended with no further scoring, and the two teams retreated to their halftime locker rooms to regroup.
By the end of regulation Germany looked exhausted, and as the match went into extra time, their fatigue became more apparent. As great as their intensity was, they could not come up with a single crack in a well-structured and well-staffed Spanish backline. Spain, despite all of this, did not lose their cool and simply kept the hammer down. Aitana Bonmati sliced through the defense again, doubling Spain’s lead. It was this moment that proved to be the turning point, cementing their spot in the final against England.
This Sunday’s final will be especially historic for Spain. They’re to meet England, who is the last side to defeat them and the defending world champions. Both schools are getting ready for an electric rivalry match. This rematch of the 2023 World Cup final should be an incredible matchup!