Aitana Bonmati’s journey at Euro 2025 has been nothing in need of exceptional – from a hospital mattress to scoring the objective that despatched Spain into their first-ever Women’s European Championship ultimate.
After Spain’s extra-time win over Germany in Zurich, the 27-year-old midfielder mirrored on her whirlwind expertise:
“I may write a ebook about that,” she mentioned, in response to a query about overcoming sickness to develop into her nation’s semi-final hero.
Bonmati’s participation within the event was unsure after she was hospitalised with viral meningitis simply days earlier than Spain’s opener.
Though she made a swift restoration, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner initially needed to accept substitute appearances in Spain’s first two group video games.
But by the point the semi-final rolled round, Bonmati had clearly rediscovered her greatest kind. In the 119th minute, she glided onto a move from Athenea del Castillo, outwitted her defenders with a feint, and smashed the ball previous Germany keeper Ann-Katrin Berger on the close to put up.
Spain End German Hoodoo
Despite Spain dominating possession all through the match, Germany, below coach Christian Wuck, dragged the competition into additional time. For an extended whereas, penalties appeared inevitable.
But Bonmati’s intervention modified every part.
“It was not straightforward for [Bonmati] initially of the event however she has a particular character to be on the most degree,” mentioned Spain head coach Montse Tome.
Her decisive objective got here from a wise run between defenders Rebecca Knaak and Franziska Kett. Receiving the ball on the flip, Bonmati managed to squeeze a strike into the close to nook regardless of a good angle.
Bonmati’s objective sparked wild celebrations amongst Spanish followers and gamers alike.
“When the ball was in, I began operating and I noticed the bench standing so I celebrated with them,” Bonmati mentioned post-match.
“Scoring in a recreation like this one is super-special. If I may also help the group write historical past, it’s very particular.”
She additionally thanked those that helped her return to full health: “I used to be assured in my mentality and my bodily state of affairs. I wished to get to this recreation at my greatest degree.
“Thanks to all individuals who had been subsequent to me to assist me attain this degree.”
Looking Ahead to England
By defeating Germany for the primary time of their historical past, Spain secured a blockbuster ultimate conflict in opposition to England this Sunday. It took 9 makes an attempt, however Spain lastly broke their German curse to arrange a rematch of the 2023 World Cup ultimate.
“Today I really feel we wrote historical past once more. For the primary time we had been in a position to make the ultimate of the ladies’s Euros and beat Germany, which we hadn’t prior to now,” Bonmati mentioned.
“We really feel proud to be a technology of gamers to win so many issues.
“Today we are able to get pleasure from. Tomorrow we’ve to begin considering of England.”
