Spain booked their place in the final of the UEFA European Women’s Championship for the first time in history, thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Aitana Bonmati that sealed a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Germany in Zurich.
Determined to build on their 2023 World Cup triumph, Spain faced a stern challenge against eight-time European champions Germany—a side they had never beaten in a competitive fixture. The Germans showed their pedigree early on, with Klara Buhl narrowly missing a one-on-one chance after latching onto a long ball.
Spain gradually took control, asserting their trademark dominance in possession. Olga Carmona’s dangerous cross nearly led to the opener, but Esther Gonzalez’s fierce volley was tipped over by the alert Ann-Katrin Berger. At the other end, Irene Paredes was key in defense, blocking a close-range effort from Giovanna Hoffmann and then rattling the post with a header from a corner.
The Red Ones continued to threaten before halftime, with Gonzalez again denied from close range. However, Germany’s resilient defense frustrated Spain’s attacking flow in the second half, and Buhl remained a constant threat on the counter. She came close twice late on—striking the post from a free-kick and forcing a smart save from Cata Coll in stoppage time—sending the match into extra time.
As tension mounted in the additional 30 minutes, clear chances were scarce, with both teams cautious of making a costly error. Just when penalties seemed inevitable, Bonmati produced a moment of magic in the 113th minute. Her low strike from the byline caught Berger off her line and squeezed in at the near post, igniting wild celebrations among the Spanish fans.
The historic goal not only ended Germany’s resistance but also set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, as Spain now prepare to face England in Basel on Sunday.
