European Super Football

It has been a successful week in Europe for three sides in the WSL Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all picked up three points in the Champions League Author |  Josh T Let's have a closer look at how they all performed. Chelsea 4 - 0 Paris FC Chelsea produced a dominant display to claim a convincing victory, with four different players on the scoresheet in a commanding performance from the Women’s Super League champions. Sonia Bompastor’s side were gifted the opening goal when Sjoeke Nusken was fouled in the box following a VAR review, allowing Sandy Baltimore to calmly slot home from the penalty spot. Paris struggled to settle after the early setback, and Chelsea capitalised on their uncertainty. Erin Cuthbert won possession in midfield and fed winger Thompson, whose precise cross found Johanna Rytting Kaneryd to head past Mylène Chavas, doubling the Blues’ advantage. The hosts’ control and tempo left Paris chasing shadows for much of the half. Barely 90 seconds afte...

With the international week taking place, England's WSL sides played at some of the countries biggest stadiums... Let's take a look at some of the biggest talking points Author |  Josh D It's still early days but it definitely feels like there will be a crazy title race this year. Manchester United and Manchester City both look like sides that can mount a serious challenge to Chelsea. Arsenal edge past Brighton in front of 27,336 fans Arsenal ended a four-game winless run in the Women’s Super League with a hard-fought victory over Brighton, though questions about their fluency remain. The hosts went in front after 15 minutes when Olivia Smith’s low strike took a deflection off Brighton defender Marisa Olislagers and wrong-footed goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Despite the early breakthrough, Arsenal struggled to assert themselves and were indebted to goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who denied Brighton's attacking players on several occasions. London City Lionesses co...

The league phase of the Women's Champions League has begun... There were mixed fortunes for the English sides, including a defeat for last year's winner. Author | Josh T The action started at Meadow Park as Arsenal hosted Lyon.. A bad start for Arsenal in the defence of their crown Melchie Dumornay punished Arsenal’s defensive errors with two quick goals as Lyon overcame the reigning Champions League holders in the opening round of the league phase. Renee Slegers made five changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, but the alterations failed to have the intended impact. Arsenal had started brightly and were rewarded when Alessia Russo put them ahead. However, their attempts to play out from the back repeatedly invited pressure, allowing Lyon, eight-time winners of the competition, to seize control. Once in front, the French champions dominated possession, leaving Arsenal to rely on long balls towards Russo in a frustrated search for ...

England manager recognised after guiding Lionesses to back-to-back European titles Sarina Wiegman has been named women’s coach of the year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, her achievement coming after steering the Lionesses to a second successive European Championship triumph. Author | Sophie T Sarina Wiegman from @Lionesses is the women's Johan Cruyff Trophy winner! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/vQKWpntnDg — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025 The Dutch coach, 55, finished ahead of four rivals in the vote, with Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor and Arsenal’s Renee Slegers among those shortlisted. England clinched Euro 2025 in Switzerland by beating Spain 3-1 on penalties, the final ending 1-1 after extra time. The victory ensured Wiegman’s side successfully defended the title they first secured on home soil in 2021. Wiegman has told the media: "This award means even more because it is named after Johan Cruyff. He believed in the power of sport and believed in every ki...

Six games, 18 goals, and plenty of entertainment. It's so good to have the Women's Super League back! Author | Josh D Let’s have a closer look at what happened on opening weekend. There were several talking points that we need to explore. Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester City  The season kicked off with two of the contenders and favourites for the title. City lost at Stamford Bridge despite a promising second-half performance away against current champions Chelsea.  For all the encouraging passages of play from his reshaped City side, and a Greenwood free-kick that struck the bar, the pattern was a familiar one as Chelsea proved decisive once again when it mattered. Arsenal 4 - 1 London City Lionesses This was a positive start to the season for Arsenal. They began their WSL campaign with victory at the Emirates, though new arrivals London City Lionesses provided an early scare. Manchester United 4 - 0 Leicester City United began their Women’s Super League campaign with an emphatic...

England 1 - 1 Spain (England won 3-1 on penalties) England etched their name into the history books once again with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain. Author | Lauren W Stadium | St. Jakob-Park Chloe Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, was the hero once more. She calmly converted the decisive penalty after Spain missed three in a row, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton making two crucial saves. It is the first time any England team has won a major tournament on foreign soil. The result also reinforces Sarina Wiegman’s status as one of the finest managers in the game , having now secured three consecutive European titles with two different nations. The Lionesses became the first team to win a single-legged Euros final after trailing at half-time, showing remarkable resilience yet again. They had fallen behind in all three knockout matches and once more found a way to respond. READ MORE |  The story of Euro 2025 READ MORE |  New...

Germany 0 - 1 Spain Aitana Bonmatí produced a moment of brilliance in extra time to send Spain into the final of Euro 2025. Author | Georgie B Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund This dramatic victory has set up a World Cup final rematch with England. With the tie still goalless after 90 minutes, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner turned smartly on the edge of the area before firing low past Ann-Katrin Berger in the 113th minute. It was a finish that reflected her class and composure, and one that proved decisive on a tense night. Germany rallied in the closing minutes and almost forced a penalty shootout. Cata Coll made a crucial diving stop to deny Lea Schüller and preserve Spain’s slender advantage, booking La Roja's place in their first European Championship final. The result sets up a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, which Spain edged 1-0 thanks to Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.  A closer look at what happened on another dramatic night Bth teams were well matched across the pitc...

England 2 - 1 Italy England produced another stirring comeback to book their place in the Euro 2025 final. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Stade de Genève Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to rescue the reigning champions in the 96th minute, keeping their title defence alive with a calm and clinical finish. Then, with just a minute remaining in extra time, Chloe Kelly fired in the rebound after her penalty was saved, sparking wild celebrations as Sarina Wiegman’s side reached another major final. It was a breathless conclusion to a gripping night in Switzerland, where England’s substitutes once again made the difference. Wiegman’s team showed remarkable resilience and refused to be beaten, even as the clock ticked down. READ MORE | What else has been happening at Euro 2025 Agyemang’s fairytale story continues. The 19-year-old scored her second goal of the tournament, both from the bench, striking low past Laura Giuliani with confidence well beyond her years. A closer look at what ha...

France 1 - 1 Germany - Germany won 6-5 on penalties Germany pulled off a remarkable victory over France to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2025, winning a dramatic penalty shootout despite playing with 10 players for nearly 110 minutes. Author | Jamie P Stadium | St. Jakob-Park The eight-time champions lost Kathrin Hendrich to a straight red card in the 13th minute after the defender was caught pulling Griedge Mbock’s hair in the box. Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty to give France an early lead. What followed was a display of remarkable discipline and resolve from Christian Wück’s side, who dug deep to level through Sjoeke Nüsken’s header and then held firm through extra time before triumphing 6-5 in the shootout. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the standout performer. After a string of impressive saves in normal and extra time, she made the decisive stop to deny Alice Sombath and send Germany through to a semi-final against world champions Spain. READ MORE |...

England 2 - 2 Sweden (England won 3-2 on penalties) England mounted a stirring late comeback to keep their European title defence alive Author | Jamie P Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Lucy Bronze, stepping up as England’s seventh taker, rifled her penalty into the roof of the net before Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg blazed over to bring a wild, error-strewn shootout to a close. It was a chaotic finale, with Sweden converting just two of their seven spot-kicks. Hannah Hampton made two crucial saves, while her opposite number, Jennifer Falk, denied four England efforts but missed a golden chance to seal victory when she sent her own penalty over the bar. Sarina Wiegman’s side had looked dead and buried after falling two goals behind within the first 25 minutes. Kosovare Asllani opened the scoring before Stina Blackstenius added a second, capitalising on England’s laboured start. But the Lionesses clawed their way back, with Bronze nodding in a Chloe Kelly cross and 17-year-old Michelle Agye...

Italy 2 - 1 Norway  Italy left it very late to defeat Norway Author | Sophie T Stadium | Stade de Genève Cristiana Girelli scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner to send Italy into the Euro 2025 semi-finals with a 2–1 victory over Norway, setting up the prospect of a meeting with defending champions England. Girelli, the Italy captain, had earlier opened the scoring after a commanding first-half display, only for Ada Hegerberg to cancel it out after recovering from a missed penalty. But with extra time looming, the veteran striker met Sofia Cantore’s cross with a well-timed header to seal Italy’s place in the last four for the first time since 1997. Their semi-final opponents will be confirmed on Thursday, when England take on Sweden in the last of the quarter-finals. A closer look at what happened Italy controlled proceedings in the opening period and were unfortunate not to be ahead at the break. Girelli, Arianna Caruso, Emma Severini and Lucia Di Guglielmo all had chances,...

Sweden 4 - 1 Germany Sweden underlined their Euro 2025 credentials with an emphatic 4-1 win over Germany in Zurich, finishing top of Group C and handing the eight-time champions their heaviest ever defeat at a European Championship. Author | Ed Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Both sides had already secured passage to the quarter-finals, but top spot was still up for grabs in a match that quickly descended into chaos for Germany, who were reduced to 10 players after just half an hour. Germany made the brighter start and struck first in the seventh minute. A superb ball from Carlotta Wamser released Jule Brand, who slotted confidently beyond Jennifer Falk to score the first goal Sweden have conceded at the tournament. But Sweden hit back almost immediately. A turnover high up the pitch allowed Stina Blackstenius to race through and calmly roll the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger to level the scores. Germany continued to show ambition going forward, but their defensive shape unravelled. Sara...

Italy 1 - 3 Spain Esther González continued her impressive form with her fourth goal of Euro 2025 as Spain edged past Italy to maintain their perfect record Author | Ajay Stadium | Stadion Wankdorf Despite the defeat, Italy progressed to the quarter-finals as group runners-up after Portugal slipped to a surprise defeat against already-eliminated Belgium in Friday’s other Group B fixture. A closer look at what happened Italy made a spirited start in Salerno, unsettling the world champions early on. Captain Elena Linari rattled the crossbar with a thumping header before Elisabetta Oliviero struck a fierce left-footed shot beyond Adriana Nanclares to give Le Azzurre a deserved lead. The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo cut through the Italian defence and exchanged passes with Alexia Putellas, who cleverly backheeled the return for Del Castillo to slam home the equaliser. READ MORE | Spain 6 - 2 Belgium READ MORE | What else has bee...

England 4 - 0 Netherlands England bounced back from their opening defeat at Euro 2025 with an emphatic win over the Netherlands, reviving their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Lauren James was moved to the wing following criticism of England’s midfield setup in the loss to France, responded with two goals as the whole side produced a dominant display.  A closer look at what happened James opened the scoring after 22 minutes, drilling a low shot into the corner from the edge of the area following a superb long-range pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Sarina Wiegman’s side looked far more composed in Zurich, pressing with purpose, defending solidly and dictating the tempo throughout. Georgia Stanway, who had struggled against France, doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a powerful strike, celebrating with arms outstretched. READ MORE | A closer look at Euro 2025 James added her second just after the hour ma...

Spain 6 - 2 Belgium Alexia Putellas delivered a masterclass in creativity and composure as Spain reinforced their status as Euro 2025 favourites with a commanding win over Belgium Author | Jack L Stadium | Stockhorn Arena Putellas scored twice and provided two assists in a performance that highlighted her enduring class and influence. After making a flying start in their opener against Portugal, Spain took a little longer to find their rhythm in Thun, but once they did, they took full control. She opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish following a neat exchange with Vicky Lopez. Belgium responded almost immediately, with Justine Vanhaevermaet rising above the defence to head in Tessa Wullaert’s corner. Spain regained the lead six minutes before the break when Irene Paredes, back in the side after suspension, powered home a header from a set-piece. READ MORE |  What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE |  England’s Euros defence begins on ...

France 2 - 1 England England’s European title defence began on a frustrating note as they slipped to a defeat against France in their heavyweight Group D opener in Zurich. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Touted as the toughest fixture of the group stage for Sarina Wiegman’s side, it proved to be every bit the challenge they expected but England never truly looked up to it. There were promising flashes in the opening exchanges, with Chelsea’s Lauren James, fit enough to start, offering a glimpse of her talent. But despite a bright few minutes and a disallowed goal from Alessia Russo, chalked off by VAR for an offside against Beth Mead, England struggled to impose themselves for long spells. France seized control from there. Marie-Antoinette Katoto bundled in the opener after 36 minutes and Chelsea forward Sandy Baltimore doubled their advantage just three minutes later. By that stage, England looked unlikely to mount a comeback. READ MORE |  What else has been hap...

Germany 2 - 0 Poland A comfortable victory for Germany as their quest to go one better at Euro 2025 starts Author | Ed Stadium | kybunpark Christian Wück’s side controlled almost three-quarters of possession before the interval but were left to rue a series of missed chances as the first half ended goalless.  Brand and Giulia Gwinn both went close, though Poland defended doggedly and their West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik impressed with a string of saves. There was concern for the 2022 finalists shortly before the break when captain Gwinn left the pitch in tears after injuring herself while making a crucial challenge to deny Ewa Pajor. She initially tried to carry on but was eventually helped off by medical staff. Wück confirmed Gwinn will undergo a scan in Zurich on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury. READ MORE | What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE | How Italy started their campaign with a win Germany responded well to the setback and their ...

Belgium 0 - 1 Italy Arianna Caruso's fantastic strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their first match of Euro 2025. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Stade de Tourbillon The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, though Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert came close after turning smartly in the box, only to fire into the side-netting. But with the interval approaching, Caruso latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo and calmly guided her finish into the top corner. Italy threatened to extend their lead after the break in Sion. Captain Cristiana Girelli saw her audacious back-heel saved by Lisa Lichtfus, while Michela Cambiaghi squandered a golden chance when clean through on goal. READ MORE | Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway READ MORE | Latest Euro 2025 news, match reports and more The result hands Andrea Soncin’s side a valuable three points in what looks a demanding group that also features world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursda...

Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty, whilst also missing one, as Norway came from behind to defeat hosts Switzerland on the opening night of Euro 2025. Author | Hollie Jacobs A sold-out St Jakob-Park provided the backdrop for an entertaining opening ceremony and a lively atmosphere that carried into the match. Spurred on by the home crowd, Switzerland took a deserved lead when Nadine Riesen capitalised on a loose ball inside the area, her finish clipping the post on its way in. Norway, twice champions of this competition, were unconvincing in the first half and failed to register a single shot on target. But the game turned after the break as Switzerland’s early control slipped away. Hegerberg rose above the defence to head past Livia Peng from a corner, before Julia Stierli’s sliced clearance found her own net just five minutes later. READ MORE |   Throwback to Women's Euro 2022 final The quickfire turnaround stunned the hosts, and Hegerberg had t...

Interesting and potentially exciting news from the WSL The Women’s Super League is set to grow from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026–27 season Author | Lauren W It has also been confirmed that relegation will remain part of the structure in the Women's game.  Under the revised format, the top two teams from the second-tier Championship will gain automatic promotion at the end of next season. The side finishing third will face a play-off against the team that finishes bottom of the WSL, with a place in the top flight at stake. The changes were confirmed on Monday after a vote by clubs, bringing clarity after months of uncertainty. READ MORE | How Arsenal Women won the Champions League  READ MORE |  WSL news and stories from European Super Football Speculation had intensified in March amid suggestions that relegation could be suspended temporarily as part of the expansion. That idea sparked criticism across the game, but league officials maintained that no formal proposal h...