Spain’s Aitana Bonmati scored a spectacular extra-time goal to secure a 1-0 win over Germany on Wednesday, sending her team to their first-ever Women’s European Championship final.
The dramatic victory sets up a high-stakes showdown against reigning champions England in Basel on Sunday—a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain lifted their first world title.
After a tense and hard-fought contest, Bonmati finally broke the deadlock in the 113th minute. Picking up the ball on the left, she noticed German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger had left a gap at the near post and whipped a brilliant shot from a tight angle into the net.
Spain had come close earlier in the match, with captain Irene Paredes striking the post with a first-half header. They controlled possession throughout, while Germany stayed compact defensively, aiming to capitalize on counterattacks.
Germany’s Klara Buehl was a standout performer, nearly giving her team the lead in the 63rd minute after slipping behind the Spanish defence—only to shoot directly at keeper Cata Coll. She had another opportunity in stoppage time when her deflected shot forced a crucial save from Coll, but the game remained goalless and moved into extra time.
With Germany having won nine of their previous ten Euro semifinal appearances, the match seemed headed for penalties. But Bonmatí had other plans.
For the Spanish midfielder—who overcame a meningitis-related health scare before the tournament—the winning goal was especially meaningful, helping Spain defeat Germany at a major tournament for the first time.
“I feel proud. We deserve it. We’ve had a brutal championship. But we’ve also had a great tournament so far until today,” Bonmati said, acknowledging how tough it was to break the Germans down.
“Today we also suffered, of course, against Germany. It’s the first time we’ve beaten Germany too, and for those who win at the end of the European Championship, what more could you ask for, right?”
German keeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who was the hero in their quarterfinal shootout win over France, took the blame for the decisive goal.
“I take the blame for that as well. The near post had to be covered, that’s clear, and that’s why I’m even more disappointed in myself,” she said.
“I can make as many saves as I want, but that goal should have simply been mine, and that’s why I feel incredibly sorry, not even for myself, but for the team, because they really gave everything.”
