Late Oyarzabal winner earns La Roja record fourth EURO crown
Spain…………2
England…….1
Spain clinched their fourth European championship title by defeating England 2-1 in Berlin.
Given that both coaches forecast “fine margins” determining this event, it was perhaps no surprise that the first half was a cautious, tactical affair. Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente made occasional adjustments, but the initial 45 minutes saw only partial breaks and limited opportunities.
After the break, the atmosphere shifted noticeably, and indeed, Spain took the lead within two minutes. Dani Carvajal’s clever pass around the corner shouldn’t be overlooked, but it was Lamine Yamal’s spirited run and assist that set up Nico Williams for a decisive, accurate first-time strike.
For the first time in the match, the momentum decisively favoured one side. Dani Olmo found space to turn and shoot in the box—a luxury not afforded in the first half—but missed the target. Álvaro Morata and Williams also had chances soon after, but it was Yamal midway through the second half who forced a brilliant fingertip save from Jordan Pickford to keep the score at 1-0.
However, if there is one defining trait of this England team’s journey to Berlin, it’s their resilience. Just seven minutes after falling behind, they equalised. Bukayo Saka provided the width, Jude Bellingham delivered a precise lay-off, and Cole Palmer – only three minutes after his introduction – found the bottom corner with a flawless finish. Yamal attempted the same with eight minutes remaining, but Pickford was once again ready and capable.
Starting line-ups
Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Shaw; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Foden, Bellingham; Kane
