The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final, held on July 27, 2025, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, saw England defeat Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, successfully defending their title. Here's a shot-by-shot account of the penalty shootout that clinched the victory for the Lionesses:
Round 1:
- England - Beth Mead: Mead stepped up first for England. She fired the ball down the middle, but her boot slipped as she struck the ball, making a double contact. Initially, the goal was allowed, but referee Stéphanie Frappart ordered a retake due to the double touch. Mead's second attempt was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Catalina Coll, giving Spain an early advantage. The initial call to allow the goal caused some controversy, but the correct decision was ultimately made.
- Spain - Mariona Caldentey: Caldentey, who had earlier scored Spain's opening goal in the 25th minute, stepped up to take Spain's first penalty. However, England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a crucial save, diving to her right and denying Caldentey.
Round 2:
- England - Leah Williamson: England's captain, Leah Williamson, took the second penalty. Coll guessed correctly again and made another one-handed stop, increasing the pressure on England.
- Spain - Aitana Bonmati: The pressure was on Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, as she approached the spot. Hampton guessed right again, saving Bonmati's effort. Hampton's save put England in a strong position.
Round 3:
- England - Alessia Russo: Russo, who had scored England's equalizing goal in the 57th minute, stepped up and confidently converted her penalty. Russo's successful penalty put England ahead in the shootout.
- Spain - Salma Paralluelo: With Spain needing to score to stay in the game, substitute Salma Paralluelo stepped up. However, she dragged her shot wide of the target, handing England the advantage.
Round 4:
- England - Chloe Kelly: Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, had the chance to win the Euro 2025 title for England. Kelly blasted her penalty into the back of the net, securing the victory for England. "I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net," said Kelly after the match.
With that final, decisive penalty from Kelly, England retained their European title, winning the shootout 3-1. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's two saves proved crucial, while Spain's failure to convert three of their spot-kicks ultimately cost them the championship. The Lionesses became the first nation to defend their Women's European title since Germany in 2013.