A Night to Remember: Reliving the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final

By Hero Athletica | July 2025

As the sun set over Basel on July 27, 2025, St. Jakob-Park buzzed with anticipation for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final. For football fans, this wasn’t just another match—it was a clash of titans, pitting defending champions England against world champions Spain in a showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Having watched the Lionesses and La Roja battle through dramatic semi-finals, I couldn’t wait to see how this rematch of the 2023 World Cup final would unfold. Let’s dive into the heart-pounding moments that made this game unforgettable.

From the kickoff, the atmosphere was electric. Spain, riding high on their unbeaten run and led by the masterful Aitana Bonmatí, took the lead in the 25th minute with a clinical finish from Mariona. The crowd roared as the world champions showcased their possession-based style, weaving intricate patterns that kept England’s defense on their toes. For a moment, it felt like Spain might run away with it, their confidence palpable after dominating much of the first half. But football, as we know, loves a twist.

The second half brought a shift. England, under Sarina Wiegman’s calm leadership, fought back with grit and determination. Alessia Russo, ever the clutch performer, equalised in the 57th minute with a header that sent the English supporters into a frenzy. The goal wasn’t just a score—it was a statement, a reminder of the Lionesses’ resilience. The game stretched into extra time, with both teams trading chances but unable to break the deadlock. Fatigue set in, yet the intensity never waned, each tackle and save met with gasps and cheers.

With the score locked at 1–1 after extra time, the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final headed into a nerve-shredding penalty shootout under the lights at St. Jakob-Park. England stepped up first, with Beth Mead finding the net—but slipping mid-kick. A rare double contact was called, and the penalty was disallowed. On the retake, Spain’s keeper Cata Coll guessed correctly and made the save, giving Spain an early psychological edge. Patricia Guijarro capitalised, calmly slotting Spain’s first penalty down the middle. Alex Greenwood responded with ice-cool precision, tucking hers into the bottom right corner. Then came a turning point: Hannah Hampton made a comfortable save to deny Mariona Caldentey, swinging momentum back toward England.

Niamh Charles stepped up with poise and buried her penalty, wrong-footing Coll to put England 2–1 ahead. Spain’s star Aitana Bonmatí was next—but Hampton read it again, diving full-stretch to make her second save of the shootout. Leah Williamson’s attempt was then saved by Coll, giving Spain a chance to equalise. But pressure told, and Salma Paralluelo dragged her shot wide of the post.

That left Chloe Kelly—England’s big-game hero once again—to finish the job. With confidence and her signature composed run-up, she rifled the ball into the top corner. England won the shootout, claiming back-to-back European titles in stunning fashion. As Kelly sprinted to celebrate and Hampton was mobbed by teammates, Spain stood in stunned silence—another classic in women’s football history had been written.

This win marked England as the first team since Germany in 2013 to defend their European title, a testament to their growth under Wiegman, who’s now guided her teams to five consecutive major finals. For Spain, despite the loss, their journey to the final—highlighted by Bonmatí’s extra-time heroics against Germany—solidified their status as a rising force. The match wasn’t just about the result; it showcased the incredible skill, heart, and unpredictability of women’s football.

As I reflect on the final, it’s clear this tournament, with over 600,000 fans across Switzerland, has elevated the sport’s profile. The legacy of EURO 2025 lies in these moments—Kelly’s decisive kick, Hampton’s heroics, and the sheer passion on display. Whether you’re an England fan celebrating a historic double or a Spain supporter proud of their team’s fight, this final will linger in our memories, a celebration of what makes football so special.

Back to blog