Spain: Barça’s magic trio ready to shine against Germany

Barcelona’s Golden Trio Seeks Glory with Spain in the Euro Cup 2025

The connection between Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Patri Guijarro, pillars of Barcelona’s midfield, is an institution in football. Now, they seek to transfer that success to the Spanish national team in the Euro 2025, a tournament that could mark a before and after for the national team. The challenge for Spain, which will face Germany in Zurich in search of the final, is to overcome a team that defeated them in the bronze medal match at last year’s Olympic Games. The key to Spanish success lies in their midfield, where Putellas, Bonmatí and Guijarro will seek victory.

Before this tournament, the three players had only been in the starting eleven together in two of Spain’s last 21 matches in the World Cup, European Championship, and Olympic Games. Circumstances have prevented this trio from playing together regularly, from Putellas’ injury in 2022 to Guijarro’s absence from the 2023 World Cup.

• Bonmatí proud of her recovery after meningitis.
• Spain wins its first qualifying match in the European Championship.
• Tactical analysis of the teams in the semi-finals of the European Championship 2025.

Bonmatí’s recovery from viral meningitis, days before the start of the tournament, was crucial. Despite starting as a substitute in the first two matches, she has been a starter in the last two, alongside Putellas and Guijarro, and was named MVP in the quarter-final victory against Switzerland. The four MVP distinctions in Spain’s matches have fallen on one of the three midfielders. With Bonmatí not at one hundred percent, Putellas led Spain in the group stage. After overcoming two years of problems with injuries, she arrived at the European Championship after a stellar season with Barcelona. The player claims to feel “a better Alexia” and with a debt pending with the tournament.

“If anyone is prepared, it’s Putellas. We are all super motivated, but Alexia even more after what happened before the last European Championship, and she is proving it. She contributes a lot to the team on and off the field. She is surrounded by the best to be able to demonstrate 100% of what she is capable of on the field. I hope she continues like this because what is good for her is good for Spain.”

Jana Fernández, defender for Barcelona and Spain.

Putellas, at 31 years old, contributed with three goals and four assists in the group stage. Her performance has been fundamental for the Spanish attack, although the defeat in the Champions League final with Barcelona could raise doubts about her level. However, her teammates trust her ability to make a difference.

“She has that spark that makes her a difference-maker. I am impressed every time I am with her doing anything because, for me, her vision of the game is the best in the world. I love playing with her because she reads situations that almost no one else sees. For me, as a forward, that’s brilliant.”

Lucía García, player for Monterrey and Spain.

Putellas has generated 18 goalscoring chances, the most in the tournament, which explains Spain’s 16 goals in four matches. Bonmatí has also created five opportunities, despite having started on the bench in the first two matches due to her illness. Coach Tomé had to “hold her back” at first, but now Bonmatí is ready to give her best.

“Right now, I am 100 percent focused on giving my best to serve the team. I believe that if we all give our best and put ourselves at the service of the team, that is when this team performs at an unstoppable level.”

Aitana Bonmatí

Guijarro’s work, often underestimated, is also key. Her presence in midfield allows Putellas and Bonmatí to play with more freedom. Guijarro, who feels comfortable again in the Spanish national team, is fundamental to Spain’s game.

Guijarro is the starting point for Spain’s attacks, with 292 passes completed in the tournament, 190 of them in the opponent’s field. Vicky López highlights her vision of the game and the importance of her work for the team.

“She plays passes that only she sees, so sometimes you don’t even expect them. She doesn’t make easy passes. She always passes forward, with precision. There is meaning in every pass she makes. She is one of the best players in the world and is underrated. She is the foundation of the team, the one who makes things work and ensures that we all give our best. If you watch Patri throughout the match, she will make you smile. Maybe she doesn’t put on as much of a show as others, but if you concentrate on her, you’ll see it.”

Vicky López, midfielder for Barcelona and Spain.

The Spanish trio faces its biggest challenge yet, with Germany, which occupies third place in the world ranking and has won eight European Championships. Bonmatí acknowledges the respect for Germany and sees this opportunity as a chance to make history.