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Bonmatí Propels Spain to Euro 2025 Final Against England
“I could write a book about that,” remarked Aitana Bonmatí after Spain’s extra-time victory over Germany secured their place in the Euro 2025 final.
The midfielder’s comment followed a question regarding her journey from nearly missing the tournament due to illness to scoring the decisive semi-final goal.
Bonmatí was released from the hospital just days before the Euros commenced, having battled viral meningitis.
Despite a swift recovery, the two-time Ballon d’Or recipient had to bide her time in Switzerland, making substitute appearances in Spain’s initial two matches.
Now, the 27-year-old appears to have regained her world-class form, adroitly maneuvering past Athenea del Castillo’s pass before unleashing a powerful shot past Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post.
“If Spain are going to win a game, it will be a player like Bonmati that is able to take the game by the scruff of the neck in these moments and get that goal,” former England midfielder Fara Williams said on BBC One.
Spain maintained dominance in possession throughout the match, yet struggled to penetrate a steadfast German defense in Zurich, as Christian Wuck’s squad fought valiantly to force extra time.
However, as the game seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Bonmatí rose to the occasion, propelling Spain to their first-ever Women’s Euro final.
“It was not easy for [Bonmati] at the beginning of the tournament but she has a special personality to be at the maximum level,” stated Spain’s manager, Montse Tomé.
Bonmatí expertly found space between German defenders Rebecca Knaak and Franziska Kett before receiving Del Castillo’s pass and swiftly turning.
Despite the acute angle, she unerringly placed the ball into the net at the near post.
“Top-class players turn up in the moments and that’s what Spain needed. That’s why Bonmati is a Ballon d’Or winner,” ex-Scotland defender Jen Beattie said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Former England defender Steph Houghton added: “I honestly thought from Spain’s point of view she was definitely their best player and she’s got them through to their first-ever European Championship final.”
The goal sparked jubilation among the Spanish supporters at Stadion Letzigrund, with Bonmatí immediately embraced by her teammates on the bench.
“When the ball was in, I started running and I saw the bench standing so I celebrated with them,” Bonmatí recounted.
“Scoring in a game like this one is super-special. If I can help the team write history, it’s very special.”
She further commented, “I was confident in my mentality and my physical situation. I wanted to get to this game at my best level. Thanks to all people who were next to me to help me reach this level.”
Spain enters the final as the reigning world champions.
To secure their encounter with England in Sunday’s final, Spain overcame a historical challenge – defeating Germany.
They had been unsuccessful in their previous eight attempts, losing the last four without scoring.
“Today I feel we wrote history again. For the first time we were able to make the final of the women’s Euros and beat Germany, which we hadn’t in the past,” Bonmatí stated.
“We feel proud to be a generation of players to win so many things.”
Spain now stands on the verge of adding a European title to their 2023 World Cup victory.
They entered the tournament as favorites, with statistical models from Opta assigning them a 25% probability of winning the championship in Switzerland.
And, having defeated the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final courtesy of Olga Carmona’s first-half goal, they are poised to be favorites once again on Sunday.
“Today we can enjoy. Tomorrow we have to start thinking of England,” Bonmatí concluded.
England have it inside them to win – Caldentey