Lionesses roar to Euro 2025 glory, defeating Spain in penalty thriller

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

England’s Lionesses secured their second consecutive UEFA Women’s European Championship title, defeating Spain 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the final at St. Jakob-Park on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s two vital saves and Chloe Kelly’s decisive penalty clinched a historic victory, marking England’s first major trophy won on foreign soil.

The final, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final where Spain won 1-0, pitted Europe’s two footballing powerhouses against each other.

Spain, the reigning world champions, entered as favorites after scoring a tournament-high 14 goals in the group stage and defeating Germany in the semi-finals.

England, coached by Sarina Wiegman, navigated a challenging campaign, rebounding from a group-stage loss to France and securing hard-fought knockout wins over Sweden and Italy.

England started strongly, with Alessia Russo’s early shot testing Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, who later denied Lauren Hemp’s close-range effort.

Spain took the lead in the 25th minute when Ona Batlle’s precise cross was headed in by Mariona Caldentey, exposing defensive errors by Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze.

England’s challenge intensified when Lauren James, hampered by an ankle injury, was substituted by Chloe Kelly before halftime.

The Lionesses rallied in the second half. In the 57th minute, Kelly’s accurate cross found Russo, whose header leveled the score at 1-1, reigniting England’s hopes.

Despite Spain’s possession dominance, England’s defense held firm. In extra time, Spain’s Salma Paralluelo missed a key chance, while Lucy Bronze, later confirmed to have played with a fractured tibia, was replaced by Niamh Charles after a valiant effort.

The match proceeded to penalties, the first Women’s Euro final shootout since 1984. Spain’s Cata Coll saved shots from Beth Mead and captain Leah Williamson, but Hampton’s stops against Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí shifted momentum.

While Patri Guijarro scored for Spain, Salma Paralluelo’s miss proved costly. Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Kelly converted for England, with Kelly’s powerful strike sealing the victory.

England’s triumph makes them the second team after Germany to defend a Women’s Euro title, with Wiegman becoming the first coach to win three consecutive Euros (2017 with the Netherlands, 2022 and 2025 with England).

The Lionesses’ 11 different goalscorers set a tournament record, despite missing key players like Mary Earps and Millie Bright.