Aitana Bonmati says she had ‘studied’ Ann-Katrin Berger’s questionable positioning before beating the German goalkeeper at the near post to send Spain into the Women’s Euro 2025 final.
Wednesday night’s semi-final between Spain and Germany proved a cagey affair, with neither team able to make the breakthrough after 90 minutes – 24 hours on from England’s dramatic extra-time victory over Italy.
But not for the first time, Bonmati stepped up when it mattered with a moment of inspiration to help seal La Roja – the world champions – a 1-0 win and a spot in their first-ever European Championship final.
After picking up possession from Athenea del Castillo on the edge of the box, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner raced through and spotted a considerable gap between Berger and the German’s left upright.
With Berger momentarily distracted, Bonmati rifled the ball with some venom into the net from the tightest of angles, sending Spain’s support into raptures at Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund.
Germany, the 2022 runners-up, had no answer in response to Bonmati’s 113th-minute strike, meaning Sunday’s showpiece will be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final.
‘I don’t believe in destiny. I believe in work, in my mentality,’ Bonmati said of Spain’s victory over Germany.
‘I’ve had great support, here and at home. I’m always grateful for that
‘I’m proud because we deserve it. We had a tremendous championship.
‘It was the first time that we have beaten Germany, and on top of that, we reached the final. We work for this every day.’
Bonmati ‘didn’t hesitate for a second’ when she realised that Berger had left her a large portion of the goal to aim for – an invitation which she took with both hands.
‘We, the analysts and the goalkeeping coach, had studied it and we concluded that sometimes the near post was empty,’ the Barcelona midfielder explained.
‘It was a pass into the net. I didn’t hesitate for a second.’
Spain got the better of England on the grandest stage of all two years ago, with Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proving decisive Down Under in Sydney.
By hook or by crook, the Lionesses have managed to secure their place in a third successive tournament final this summer, twice coming from behind in their last two matches.
But according to Bonmati, England’s recent performances in Switzerland are ‘meaningless’ and Spain will start ‘thinking about’ Sarina Wiegman’s side once the dust has settled on their semi-final win.
On Spain’s opposition, Bonmati said: ‘England? The last few games are meaningless.
‘There are different moments, different styles.
‘I think this win tonight deserves to be celebrated. Tomorrow we’ll think about England.’
Who will win the Women’s Euro 2025?
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