Back-to-Back Glory: Lionesses Defeat Spain to Retain Euro Title

Kathmandu: The 14th edition of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has concluded, with England's Lionesses successfully defending their title.

They defeated reigning World Cup champions Spain in a dramatic final held on Sunday at St. Jakobs-Park in Basel, Switzerland.

The match ended in a 1–1 draw after extra time and was decided by a penalty shootout, where England triumphed 3–1. The Lionesses showed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, having come close to elimination in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Despite the setbacks, they fought back each time to earn their place in the final.

Spain struck first, taking the lead in the 25th minute. England responded after halftime, equalising with a goal in the 57th minute. Both sides battled hard for the remainder of the match, but neither could find a winner in regulation or extra time, forcing the game into penalties.

Although England missed their opening penalty, they quickly recovered. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton played a crucial role in the shootout, saving two key penalties from María Fráncesca Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. Her performance put England in control of the shootout and brought them within reach of the trophy.

Chloe Kelly, known for her composure in high-pressure situations, stepped up as the final penalty taker. She converted confidently, sealing England’s second Women’s Euro title and securing their status as back-to-back European champions.

After the match, head coach Sarina Wiegman described the tournament as one of the most challenging and unpredictable campaigns she has experienced. She highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and overcome setbacks, including a loss in their opening match.

Wiegman praised her players and staff, calling the achievement “incredible” and saying it demonstrated the team’s strength and unity. She also remarked on the chaotic nature of the tournament, saying that “losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible – football is chaos.”

This victory also marks a significant milestone for English football, as it is the first time an English senior team has won a major international tournament on foreign soil.