Is that 25% of the default game speed or 25% of the slowest setting? I use the speed variation to slow the game down in order to 1. assess problem areas and 2. Buy me some time to pick the units I am going to deploy to the problem areas. I also speed the game up until some level of contact has happened. Then I almost never speed it back up above default speed and frequently slow it down. Another way to control the game is to initially use combined arms teams, try a unit mix that has anti-infantry and anti-tank components, push to a defensible position, blunt and hold the red force, slow the game down, assess for units in peril or areas to exploit, deploy the reinforcements, send them where you need them, set speed to normal, observe, wash, rinse, repeat.
But, I get where you are coming from, the game speed is fast for sure. It is a clickfest, but the speed control gives you little breathers during the course of the game. I think it would be a stronger game if you could pause, but you can't and you just have to try to manage the events the best you can. Sorry that speed issue is impacting your experience because it is a cool game.