Aitana Bonmati’s extra-time goal fired Spain into their first European Championship final, with La Roja overcoming a stubborn Germany side 1-0 in Zurich.
Bonmati caught out Ann-Katrin Berger – one of the standout players at Euro 2025 – from a tight angle on the right byline after 113 tense minutes.
Germany had gone agonisingly close to winning it on two occasions before the 90 minutes were through, but it will be Montse Tome’s side that face England in Sunday’s final in a repeat of the showpiece match from the 2023 World Cup.
Germany caused the world champions problems on the break early on, with Klara Buhl dragging a left-footed shot wide and Giovanna Hoffmann miskicking from Jule Brand’s cross.
But the best chances went Spain’s way, with Berger tipping Esther Gonzalez’s volley over the top and later denying the same player from the left side of the box.
La Roja went even closer in the 41st minute as Irene Paredes’ header bounced off the foot of the post, and Gonzalez sent an overhead kick spiralling over the crossbar on the follow-up.
Spain upped the ante in the second half, with Aitana Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo both failing to get a touch on inviting crosses, but Germany had glorious chances to win it late on.
Buhl bent a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide of the bottom-right corner, then Cata Coll made a brilliant double save in the 94th minute, clawing Buhl’s deflected shot off the line before reacting to smother Carlotta Wamser’s attempt on the rebound.
Chances were few and far between for much of the additional period, but two-time Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati made the difference.
AITANA! #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/mT3ro0OTNh
— UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 23, 2025
Having spun away from Rebecca Knaak to reach Athenea del Castillo’s pass, the Barcelona midfielder fizzed a low strike between Berger and her near post to seal Spain’s place in the final.
Data Debrief: Berger’s resistance broken as Spain end hoodoo
This was the third meeting between Spain and Germany at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros), with La Roja having lost the previous two without scoring a goal.
It was third time lucky for the world champions here, as Bonmati’s 113th-minute strike broke Berger’s resistance.
Berger’s 23 saves at Euro 2025 are at least six more than any other goalkeeper, and before being caught out at her near post, the 34-year-old had stopped 15 consecutive shots on target faced.
But it should not be a surprise, as no player has now scored more knockout-stage goals at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) for Spain than Bonmati (three – level with Jennifer Hermoso).