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World champions Spain‘s fell to a penalty shootout loss to defending champions England in the Euro 2025 final as star players Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey were among those to miss from the spot on Sunday.
La Roja started the final on the back foot when Alessia Russo’s low effort was parried by Cata Coll and into the path of Lauren James, but the Chelsea star couldn’t tuck the ball home. Coll then went from villain to hero in a matter of seconds when her wayward pass was intercepted by Lauren Hemp just outside the six-yard box, but the goalkeeper atoned for her error with a vital stop low to her left.
As the contest wore on, Spain began to turn the screw, and took the lead in the 25th minute when Caldentey headed in Ona Batlle’s pinpoint cross into the area.
The 2023 World Cup winners’ stranglehold on the first half continued early into the second, but then out of nowhere, the Lionesses were level in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo guided in substitute Chloe Kelly’s inch-perfect delivery.
The defending champions were galvanised by that equaliser, and had it not been for the fingertips of Coll, Kelly’s instinctive strike would have made it 2-1. Claudia Pina then fired a warning shot back at Sarina Wiegman’s team when the substitute’s rifled shot brought an excellent save out of Hampton.
Substitute Salma Paralleulo missed a gilt-edged chance on the stroke of half-time in extra time, and the two old foes could not be separated as penalties beckoned. And despite Coll saving two penalties, the misses of Paralluelo, Bonmati, and Caldentey proved costly as Kelly once again scored the winner for England as they defended their Euros title.
بالجم rates Spain’s players from St. Jakob-Park…
World champions Spain’s fell to a penalty shootout loss to defending champions England in the Euro 2025 final as star players Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey were among those to miss from the spot on Sunday.
La Roja started the final on the back foot when Alessia Russo’s low effort was parried by Cata Coll and into the path of Lauren James, but the Chelsea star couldn’t tuck the ball home. Coll then went from villain to hero in a matter of seconds when her wayward pass was intercepted by Lauren Hemp just outside the six-yard box, but the goalkeeper atoned for her error with a vital stop low to her left.
As the contest wore on, Spain began to turn the screw, and took the lead in the 25th minute when Caldentey headed in Ona Batlle’s pinpoint cross into the area.
The 2023 World Cup winners’ stranglehold on the first half continued early into the second, but then out of nowhere, the Lionesses were level in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo guided in substitute Chloe Kelly’s inch-perfect delivery.
The defending champions were galvanised by that equaliser, and had it not been for the fingertips of Coll, Kelly’s instinctive strike would have made it 2-1. Claudia Pina then fired a warning shot back at Sarina Wiegman’s team when the substitute’s rifled shot brought an excellent save out of Hampton.
Substitute Salma Paralleulo missed a gilt-edged chance on the stroke of half-time in extra time, and the two old foes could not be separated as penalties beckoned. And despite Coll saving two penalties, the misses of Paralluelo, Bonmati, and Caldentey proved costly as Kelly once again scored the winner for England as they defended their Euros title.
بالجم rates Spain’s players from St. Jakob-Park…
Cata Coll (7/10):
Had a mixed first half as she did well to deny Russo early doors, before nearly gifting England a goal soon after. After that, the keeper made impressive saves from Kelly and in the shootout – but it was all in vain.
Ona Batlle (8/10):
Some of her attacking interplay was a joy to watch, and her dinked cross for Caldentey’s opener was pure class. She also made some key interceptions in defence, too.
Irene Paredes (6/10):
Sometimes struggled to deal with the livewire Russo and was part of a backline that dropped deeper as the contest wore on.
Laia Aleixandri (7/10):
Had a solid game but allowed Russo to get a header away too easily for the Lionesses’ equaliser. Got stuck into the opposition and was properly fired up.
Olga Carmona (7/10):
The Lionesses found a lot of joy down her flank early on, but the marauding full-back repeatedly caused England’s defensive line problems with her skill and directness.
Aitana Bonmati (7/10):
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had a viral meningitis to contend with just last month, was always a threat, particularly with her driving runs, vision, and neat lay-offs, but had a costly penalty shootout miss.
Patricia Guijarro (7/10):
Was part of a midfield that out-pressed and at times overran England with their relentless energy and organisation. But that changed after the Lionesses’ equaliser.
Alexia Putellas (8/10):
The lively Barcelona star was conducting her side’s midfield with real purpose, and that was why it was such a surprise call to take her off with 20 minutes to go.
Athenea del Castillo (6/10):
The 24-year-old proved to be very elusive at times, but also went missing a tad as the encounter progressed.
Esther Gonzalez (6/10):
The striker popped up with a couple of decent opportunities, but was largely well marshalled by England’s defence.
Mariona Caldentey (7/10):
The Arsenal star and Women’s Super League Player of the Season was coolness personified when she headed her side into the lead. Put in a confident all-round display, but missed from the spot.
Claudia Pina (8/10):
Made an instant impact off the bench and troubled Bronze with her trickery.
Salma Paralluelo (4/10):
Her physical presence provided England problems, but she spurned some glorious opportunities. Missed in the shootout, too.
Vicky Lopez (6/10):
Wasn’t too far away from scoring a delightful curled effort just before the end of normal time.
Leila Ouahabi (5/10):
Didn’t make much of an impression when she came on.
Montse Tome (6/10):
Would have been pleased with how her players responded to England’s early pressure as their tactics completely unsettled the opposition. But some of her substitutes were questionable as they were undone by the Lionesses.
