Spain, chasing a record fifth consecutive European title, comfortably defeated Sweden 3-0 in Zenica. Later in Sarajevo, Austria – playing in the first UEFA women’s youth semi-final in the nation’s history – put up a spirited fight against Germany and forced the match into extra time before narrowly losing 1-0.

Spain 3-0 Sweden

Spain took the lead as early as the third minute. Alba Cerrato collected a pass from the lively Rosalía Domínguez on the edge of the penalty area, turned brilliantly to create space and fired a precise shot into the far top corner.

Sweden, without suspended Tilda Karlsson and the ill Filippa Andersson Widén, found themselves under heavy pressure from the opening whistle. However, thanks to disciplined defending and tactical adjustments, they managed to keep the deficit to just one goal until half-time despite the increasingly dangerous Celia Segura coming close on several occasions.

Just before the hour mark, Spain doubled their advantage. Rosalía Domínguez produced a stunning long-range strike that curled into the back of the net, with many considering it even more spectacular than the opening goal.

Only four minutes later, Rosalía was involved again, delivering a pinpoint cross that Ainoa Gómez headed home to make it 3-0.

Spain remained in complete control for the rest of the match, dominating possession and confirming their place in another final with an outstanding performance.

Key stat: Spain equalled their own record by reaching a fifth consecutive final and a tenth final in the last 11 editions of the competition. Alba Cerrato, Rosalía Domínguez and Ainoa Gómez are now level with Switzerland's Emanuela Pfister as the tournament's leading scorers, with three goals each.

David Aznar, Spain coach:

"It is so difficult to get to the final five years in a row. We have incredible talent in our country, and many players could have been part of this team. This is a truly special squad with tremendous quality, and I am delighted to coach them and enjoy another final."

Bri Campos, Sweden coach:

"Spain are a team that will punish even the smallest mistake, and we saw that three times today. We had a good game plan – when we won the ball, we needed to keep possession. We could have done a little better in those situations, and that's what we lacked today. Overall, I am extremely proud of my players. It was not an easy match. Spain is an excellent team, but I think our players gave them a very good challenge."

Alba Cerrato, Spain forward:

"This is much more than just a team – it's a family. We are all very close, like sisters, and that's what makes us such a strong team. We show that every single day on the pitch, and we are all incredibly proud of one another."

Speaking about her goal, she added:

"During our analysis, we noticed that Sweden's defensive line tended to drop deep, leaving space between the lines. I received the ball in that area, turned, and took my shot. Fortunately, it ended up in the back of the net."

Germany 1-0 Austria (after extra time)

Germany entered the semi-final without suspended captain Luzie Zähringer but immediately took the initiative against Austria.

Austria, however, defended with great discipline throughout the match. Whenever Germany threatened in the first half, Felicia Strässer was denied by Vivien Grabenhofer, while Helen Börner fired over the crossbar.

Shortly before half-time, Austria lost captain Valentina Illinger, who became the third player from the squad to suffer an injury, ending her participation in the tournament.

Her replacement, Anika Hofschweiger, made an outstanding saving tackle moments after coming on to deny Emma Memminger, while shortly afterwards Felicia Strässer's header was cleared off the line. Memminger then struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from distance.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time, the match went into extra time.

Germany's pressure finally paid off in the 109th minute. Substitute Tessa Zimmermann lost her marker and met Lenelotte Müller's inswinging corner with a header at the far post to score the decisive goal and send Germany into the final.

Key stat: Germany reached the semi-finals of the competition for the 19th time and recorded their third extra-time victory in a semi-final. Interestingly, they have lost all three previous semi-finals that were decided by penalties.

Melanie Behringer, Germany coach:

"I am very happy to have reached the final. I believe we deserved to win because we were the better team today. At the same time, I feel sorry for Austria's players, who had to deal with injuries and illness. I feel for them, but I am absolutely delighted for our team."

Markus Hackl, Austria coach:

"First of all, I would like to congratulate Germany. They deserved to reach the final. This was the most difficult match of my coaching career. We had two injured players, and throughout the week the whole squad struggled with a stomach virus. Two players missed the Spain match, three tried to play today, but we had to make changes during the first half and again at half-time. It was extremely difficult for us."

Tessa Zimmermann, Germany goalscorer:

"Of course, it feels incredible because we have reached the final and rewarded ourselves for everything we gave over 120 minutes. It's an amazing feeling. Now we can celebrate and then shift our full focus to the final. Playing in a final is something you dream about as a child. After all the previous years when we didn't manage to get this far, we have finally been rewarded for all our hard work. Now we simply want to enjoy this moment."

Source: UEFA