Bonmati’s Extra-Time Magic Sends Spain to Euro 2025 Final Against England

Aitana Bonmati fired Spain into their first-ever European Championship final with a spectacular extra-time goal to seal a 1–0 win over Germany in Basel, setting up a mouth-watering rematch with England, the side they beat in the 2023 World Cup final.

With the semi-final locked goalless after 90 tense minutes, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered the decisive moment in the 113th minute. After turning her marker superbly, Bonmati squeezed a low shot past German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger to break the deadlock.

Germany came close to forcing a penalty shootout, with Lea Schuller denied by a diving save from Cata Coll in the dying moments, but Spain held on to make history.

The final on Sunday will see Montse Tomé’s side meet Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, who they edged 1-0 last year in Sydney to become world champions.

A Tougher Test for Spain

Spain had cruised into the last four, scoring 14 goals in the group stage and dispatching Switzerland 2–0 in the quarter-finals. But Germany, the tournament’s most successful side with eight titles, proved to be a far more resilient opponent.

The first half saw both sides spurn chances, Berger and the post combining to frustrate La Roja, while Germany missed openings through Klara Bühl and Giovanna Hoffmann.

Despite dominating possession with nearly 67%, Spain couldn’t find a way past Germany’s disciplined back line, which had already endured 107 minutes with 10 players in their dramatic quarter-final win over France.

Germany came close to snatching victory at the end of regulation time when a deflected shot from Bühl forced Coll into a last-gasp parry, before the Spanish keeper again denied Carlotta Wamser in quick succession.

But when it mattered most, Bonmati rose to the occasion, her exquisite control and finish highlighting why she’s regarded as the world’s top player.

Key Performers

Salma Paralluelo and Athenea del Castillo added fresh energy off the bench for Spain, with Paralluelo in particular creating several openings after coming on. Though she couldn’t convert, her movement stretched the German defence.

Germany’s Bühl impressed at both ends of the pitch providing an outlet on the counter while also diligently tracking back to nullify the threat of Claudia Pina and Olga Carmona.

By the Numbers

Germany suffered their first semi-final defeat in Women’s Euro history since 1993, ending a streak of seven straight final appearances.

Spain registered their first-ever win over Germany in nine attempts (previously five losses and three draws).

Ann-Katrin Berger remains the tournament’s busiest goalkeeper with 23 saves.

What’s Next?

Spain now look ahead to Sunday’s final at St. Jakob-Park, where they’ll face England for the second time in a major final in as many years (17:00 BST).

Germany, meanwhile, will regroup ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with France in October.