Spain beat Germany with Bonmati extra-time goal to reach Women’s Euro 2025 final

ZURICH: Aitana Bonmati netted the only goal of the game late in extra time as world champions Spain edged Germany 1-0 in their Women’s Euro 2025 semifinal on Wednesday to set up a title decider this weekend against England.

A tense game in Zurich was ticking down toward penalties when reigning Ballon d’Or Bonmati struck in the 113th minute, surprising the usually reliable German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger at her near post.

It was not one of Barcelona star Bonmati’s most influential performances, yet she still delivered when it mattered to keep Spain on course to win their first European Championship crown.

“We knew that the goalkeeper often leaves her near post open in these situations, so I didn’t think twice. I didn’t want the game to go to penalties,” said a beaming Bonmati.

Spain were also grateful to goalkeeper Cata Coll for some vital interventions, including a spectacular double save to deny Klara Buehl and Carlotta Wamser right at the end of normal time, as Germany were agonizingly eliminated.

The Spaniards will now face reigning European champions England on Sunday in Basel in what will be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup decider, when La Roja triumphed 1-0 in Sydney.

If Montse Tome’s side come out on top again, they will become the first nation to hold both the world and European titles at the same time since Germany almost 15 years ago.

Spain had never beaten Germany before, and now they advance to their first-ever Euro final, with the chance to cement their status as the leading force in international women’s football.

“We have made history again today, getting to a first Euro final and beating Germany for the first time,” said Bonmati.

“We are proud to be part of this generation of players, but