**Aitana Bonmatí Fires Spain Into Euro 2025 Final With Dramatic Extra-Time Winner Against Germany**
Aitana Bonmatí proved decisive once again as Spain secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2025 semifinals, booking their place in Sunday’s final against England. The match, held at Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund, remained goalless after 90 minutes, but Bonmatí’s moment of brilliance in extra time broke German resistance and sent the world champions through to their first-ever European Championship final.
### **Bonmatí’s Heroics Seal the Win**
With penalties looming, Bonmatí delivered when it mattered most. In the 113th minute, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner expertly controlled Athenea del Castillo’s pass, turned sharply inside the box, and fired a low shot past Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post. The strike sent the Spanish bench into wild celebrations, silencing a largely pro-German crowd in Switzerland.
Bonmatí’s performance was particularly remarkable given her recent health struggles—she was hospitalized with viral meningitis just days before the tournament began. Yet, she has been instrumental throughout Spain’s campaign, earning MVP honors in both the quarterfinal and semifinal.
### **Germany’s Valiant Effort Falls Short**
Germany, missing key players due to suspensions and injuries from their grueling quarterfinal win over France, defended resolutely for most of the match. Berger made several crucial saves, while their compact 5-4-1 formation frustrated Spain’s usually free-flowing attack.
Klara Bühl and Giovanna Hoffmann posed threats on the counter, and Germany nearly snatched victory late in regulation when Cata Coll made a stunning double save to deny Bühl and Carlotta Wamser. Substitute Lea Schüller also came close in extra time, but her late effort was parried away by Coll.
Ultimately, Germany’s disciplined defensive effort wasn’t enough to hold off Spain’s relentless pressure. The defeat marks another major tournament disappointment for the eight-time champions, who crashed out of the 2023 World Cup in the group stage.
### **Spain’s Historic Opportunity**
For Spain, this victory exorcised past demons—they had never beaten Germany in a competitive match before, including losses in the 2022 Euros and the 2024 Olympics. Now, they stand one win away from completing their trophy collection after their 2023 World Cup triumph.
Manager Montse Tomé will hope for a sharper attacking display in the final, as Spain struggled to convert chances despite dominating possession. The introduction of young talent like Vicky López could provide fresh impetus against an England side that edged past Italy in the other semifinal.
### **Final Showdown: Spain vs. England**
Sunday’s final in Basel will be a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain defeated England 1-0. With Bonmatí in scintillating form and England riding a wave of late-game heroics, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter between Europe’s top two teams.