Spain Left to Reflect as Euro Title Slips Away Again

TDT | Manama

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Spain came into the Women’s Euro 2025 final with the world and Nations League titles already secured, and the expectation of a third major trophy in 12 months. Instead, they left Basel with unanswered questions and a familiar frustration, beaten by England 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.

Despite dominating large spells of the match and enjoying the majority of possession, Montse Tomé’s side struggled to convert their control into goals. It was a pattern that had flickered throughout the tournament and came into sharp focus on Sunday night.

Spain struck first, with Mariona Caldentey heading home in the 25th minute after Ona Batlle’s delivery caught England’s back line flat. But once Alessia Russo levelled early in the second half, England dug in. From that point on, Spain dictated tempo but found few clear openings.

“England contested a lot of second balls and we weren’t winning them, which caused us to struggle,” coach Tomé admitted post-match. “In extra time we regained control and created chances, but it wasn’t enough.”

There were hints before the final that Spain’s attacking rhythm wasn’t always aligned with their dominance in possession. They conceded in both group-stage wins over Belgium and Italy, and while they put 14 goals past their group opponents, there were long stretches of sterile control. Even in the quarter-final against Switzerland and the semi-final win over Germany — sealed by a 113th-minute Aitana Bonmatí strike — their performances were solid, not sparkling.

In Basel, England executed the blueprint those earlier teams had only sketched. They sat deep, protected the box, and threatened on the counter when the opportunity arose. Spain, for all their rotation and ball retention, rarely managed to stretch England in decisive areas.

“We had some very good moments but couldn’t finish,” said captain Irene Paredes. “England were content to take it to penalties, and we didn’t perform well there. To be a champion, sometimes you need a bit of luck, and I think they had it.”

But England brought more than luck. They brought resilience, tactical clarity, and a cold efficiency when it mattered — traits that have seen them reverse past heartbreaks into success. For Spain, it’s another lesson in tournament football: control is only part of the equation.

And as Sunday showed, sometimes even the best team on paper doesn’t get to lift the trophy.