The Women’s Euros was the final missing piece in Spain’s growing dominance of the women’s game. With the World Cup trophy already secured and Barcelona Femeni enjoying a golden era of domestic and European success, adding the European crown would complete a remarkable run of triumphs.
However, that wasn’t to be with England emerging victorious on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The reigning European champions have defended their crown in a match that Spain dominated, especially in the first half and during extra time.
Spain took control early and never looked back, dominating the match with their trademark possession play. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mariona Caldentey, the former Barcelona Femeni star, rose to meet a delightful cross from Ona Batlle, guiding a precise header into the top corner.
England drew level in the second half through an Alessia Russo header and created several chances of their own, but extra time largely belonged to Spain, who pushed forward in search of a winner, which never came. When the match went to penalties, however, it was the Lionesses who held their nerve. Their spot-kicks were more composed and clinical, while Barcelona stars Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo both missed from the spot, ultimately sealing Spain’s fate.
A fierce and respectful rivalry has now emerged between Spain and England, shaped by recent high-stakes encounters. Spanish hearts soared while English ones broke in Sydney, when Spain defeated the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final. Heading into this latest final, it was England who held the European title, adding extra weight to an already emotionally charged contest between two of the sport’s modern heavyweights.
Spain lined up with a strong Barcelona presence across the pitch, showcasing the influence of Barça Femeni on the national team. Cata Coll started in goal, while the backline featured a familiar trio of Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, and new signing Laia Aleixandri, forming three-quarters of a defence heavily shaped by Barcelona's style. They were joined by Real Madrid’s Olga Carmona.
In midfield, it was all Blaugrana as the trio of Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, and Aitana Bonmatí anchored the center of the park, bringing creativity, control, and composure, hallmarks of Barcelona’s game, into Spain’s engine room. The introductions of Claudia Pina, Salma Paralluelo, and Vicky López injected fresh energy into Spain’s attack, giving them renewed momentum in the latter stages, however for the Barca trio it proved not to be.
It was a hard-fought battle that Spain and the Barcelona Femeni stars can take pride in, but ultimately, they fell just short of claiming the final prize.