Euro 2025 semi-final recap as England and Spain prepare to fight for glory | OneFootball

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals delivered all the drama, determination and dazzling football fans could hope for – setting the stage for a blockbuster final between reigning champions England and World Cup holders Spain.

The Lionesses will be hoping for redemption against Spain following their wounding 1-0 defeat in the 2023 World Cup final. Sarina Wiegman is also just one match away from winning three consecutive Euros titles, having guided the Netherlands to the trophy in 2017 prior to England’s triumph in 2022.

Let’s recap how the semi-final action unfolded to pit England and Spain against each other for the glory.

England complete dramatic comeback over Italy

England 2-1 Italy (AET)

In a heart-stopping encounter in Geneva, England staged a stunning comeback to book their place in the final. Italy looked set to pull off a shock against the champions as they took the lead in the 33rd minute. Barbara Bonansea fired a brilliant shot into the top of England’s net to give Le Azzurre the lead.

The goal stunned England, who found it difficult to break through a well-drilled Italian back line. Although Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo both had efforts saved.

England struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Italian side and were staring down the barrel of a semi-final exit as the clock ticked into stoppage time. But Michelle Agyemang, brought on as a late substitute, became the Lionesses’ hero yet again. She scored a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute to force extra time, once again coming up clutch for England this tournament.

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In the 119th minute, Beth Mead drove into the box and was brought down, earning England a crucial penalty. Chloe Kelly, England’s Euro 2022 final heroine — once again stepped up. Her first effort was saved but she kept her composure and slotted the rebound into the net to send England to their second consecutive European final.

Wiegman’s substitutions made all the difference and turned the game on its head. It was testament to the squad’s depth and manager’s tactical awareness.

Bonmatí brilliance sends Spain to historic first final

Germany 0-1 Spain (AET)

In Zurich, Spain booked their place in their first ever Euros final with a hard fought 1-0 extra time win over eight-time champions Germany. It was a match of fine margins, with both sides struggling to break each other down over 90 minutes.

Both sides had their chances with goalkeepers Cata Coll and Ann-Katrin Berger being called into action, both showing their unbeatable form. Both keepers made strings of crucial saves, keeping their sides in the game as the nerves frayed on both benches.

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Surprisingly, the game reached the end of stoppage time at 0-0 forcing the game into extra time. In the 113th minute, up popped Aitana Bonmatí. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner produced a moment of magic, curling a powerful effort into the far corner. Her goal was the only one of the match and sealed Spain’s historic victory and confirmed their status as one of the dominant forces in world football.

After the match Bonmatí said: “I feel so proud — we deserve this. Today, I feel like we wrote history again. We’ve dreamed of this moment. This team keeps making history — now we want to lift the trophy.”

A Euros final for the ages

The final is set for Sunday, July 27th at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. It will be a battle between two footballing giants. England, seeking to defend their European crown, will face a Spanish side still brimming with confidence after their World Cup triumph in 2023.

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Both teams boast tactical brilliance, individual flair and relentless determination. For England, the key will be maintaining their resileince and making the most of clutch players like Kelly and Agyemang. Meanwhile, Spain will look to control possession and allow stars like Bonmatí and Claudia Pina to shine through.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain — women’s football continues to soar to new heights and Sunday’s final promises to be another unforgettable chapter.

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