Spain Aim to Break Germany Curse in Crucial EURO 2025 Clash
Reigning world champions Spain are preparing for a seismic showdown in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 semi-finals — and it’s against their greatest nemesis. Despite their current dominance on the global stage, La Roja have never beaten eight-time European champions Germany, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadion.
Spain enter the match as statistical favorites, but history offers a cautionary tale. The question is: Can this generation rewrite the script?
A Rivalry Steeped in Frustration
Spain’s record against Germany is a stark contrast to their recent successes. Across eight previous encounters in all competitions, Spain have never emerged victorious, recording five losses and three draws. The most recent heartbreak came at the 2024 Olympic Games, where Germany edged Spain 1-0 in the bronze medal match — a bitter reminder that the Germans still hold the upper hand.
For two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, the sting of that defeat lingers. “It left a bitter taste,” she told Marca. “But now we have extra motivation. We’ve won a World Cup and a Nations League — now we want the EURO.”
Perfect Form, Imperfect Past
Despite their historical struggles, Spain’s form at EURO 2025 is nothing short of electric. Montse Tomé’s squad has been ruthless in their campaign, winning all four of their matches while racking up 16 goals and conceding just three.
Tomé remains optimistic despite the winless record against Germany. “Since I arrived, we’ve faced Germany five times and haven’t beaten them, but every match we get a bit closer,” she said. The head coach credits the team’s upward trajectory to a “professional and mature” squad environment that has steadily grown since the turbulence surrounding the federation in recent years.
Leadership and Unity at the Core
Midfield maestro Alexia Putellas, who has been instrumental in Spain’s run, believes this squad has what it takes to finally topple their bogey team. “We’re confident that if we hit our best version and cut out mistakes, we can reach the final,” she said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “There’s a first time for everything.”
Both Putellas and Bonmatí emphasized the importance of team cohesion — a factor that has eluded the Spanish national side in the past due to internal disputes and controversies. Today’s squad, however, appears united and focused on a shared goal: making history.
From Underdogs to World Champions — and Now, EURO Contenders
For the first time since 1997, Spain have reached the semi-finals of the European Championship. But for players like Bonmatí, this is just the beginning. “We want to keep devouring the world,” she said, underlining the team’s ambition to claim the only major title that has eluded them.
While Germany remain one of the most decorated teams in women’s football history, the pressure may now be shifting. Spain’s stars are not framing this clash as revenge but rather as an opportunity — an opening to etch their name deeper into football folklore.
“We know who we are. We’ve come this far on merit,” Bonmatí added. “Now we’re going for the final.”
