“This team deserved more” says Montse Tomé after Spain lose Euro final

Spain’s aspirations for Euro 2025 glory were cruelly dashed in a dramatic penalty shootout against reigning champions England, leaving head coach Montse Tomé to lament a result she felt her side simply did not deserve. In the immediate aftermath of the Wembley final, Tomé expressed profound disappointment, asserting that La Roja’s performance warranted a different outcome, particularly after a fiercely contested match that showcased the evolving dominance of women’s football. The 2-2 draw after extra time, followed by the heartbreaking 4-3 shootout defeat, marked a bitter end to what had been a remarkable tournament campaign for the Spanish squad.

Throughout the 120 minutes of play, Spain demonstrated much of the fluid, possession-based football that has become their hallmark. They controlled significant periods of the game, creating numerous opportunities and forcing England’s Lionesses into a more reactive stance than many expected. While England displayed characteristic resilience and clinical finishing to twice equalise, including a late goal in normal time that pushed the match into extra periods, Tomé’s conviction stemmed from her team’s sustained pressure and tactical discipline. "It's a really tough pill to swallow," Tomé stated, her voice tinged with emotion. "We played with heart, with quality, and we executed our plan. To lose this way, after giving so much, feels incredibly unfair. This team deserved not to be on the losing end."

The sentiment was echoed by key figures on the pitch. Midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí, a driving force throughout the tournament, reflected on the fine margins that define such high-stakes encounters. "We left everything out there," Bonmatí shared, her eyes still red from tears. "Sometimes, football can be cruel. We had our chances, we believed until the very end, but it wasn't enough today. This pain will fuel us." Veteran defender Irene Paredes, a bedrock of the Spanish defence, emphasized the team's journey and growth. "We came here to win, and we fought like warriors," Paredes commented, her voice steady despite the obvious heartbreak. "This team has grown immensely, and while the result hurts deeply, we must remember what we achieved to get here. We are a strong unit, and we will learn from this."