Bonmatí Apologizes for Penalty Miss in Euro 2025 Final Defeat

Aitana Bonmatí expressed her shock and disappointment after missing a crucial penalty in the shootout, contributing to Spain’s defeat against England in the final of the Euro 2025 on March 10, 2025. The match, held in Switzerland, ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to penalties where Spain faltered, converting only one of their attempts.

“I’m in shock,” Bonmatí told RTVE following the match. She took responsibility for her missed penalty and extended her congratulations to the victors. “We gave everything. I must apologise for missing my penalty and congratulate England. But we played well. We were the better side, although that’s not everything—you have to put it in the net.”

Despite dominating the match with 22 shots compared to England’s eight, Spain could only find the back of the net once through a header from María Caldentey in the first half. The Lionesses managed to equalize and ultimately triumph in the penalty shootout.

Bonmatí, who recently overcame viral meningitis, was awarded Player of the Tournament for her exemplary performances throughout the competition. Her teammate, Esther González, also had a standout tournament, securing the Golden Boot with her four goals.

Reflecting on the loss, Bonmatí compared it to the shocking defeat her club, Barcelona, suffered in the Champions League final earlier this year. “I’m devastated; we worked so hard for this,” she said. “From the 70th minute onwards, we were in control of the game. We were the better team. England weren’t getting forward, but no one is to blame: we win and lose together.”

Spain’s Journey and England’s Resilience

With hopes high for their first UEFA Women’s Euro title, Spain’s journey to the final marked a significant milestone in their history. Captain Irene Paredes, who led Spain to victory over England in the World Cup final two years prior, echoed Bonmatí’s sentiments regarding their performance. “We deserved more, but who doesn’t deserve more?” she remarked. “England had that bit of luck they’ve had throughout the tournament.”

Paredes highlighted Spain’s control of the game and their ability to create clearer chances. “This isn’t about possession and creating chances; it’s about scoring. And they scored a goal that I think was avoidable, and then it comes down to penalties.”

The final showcased not only the intense rivalry between the two nations but also the evolving landscape of women’s football, with Spain demonstrating their capabilities against a historically strong England side. Despite the defeat, the Spanish team garnered respect for their performance throughout the tournament, leaving them poised for future successes.