Portugal triumphed over neighbors Spain in a nail-biting final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, securing their second UEFA Nations League title after a tense penalty shootout. The match ended 2-2 after regular and extra time, before Ruben Neves sealed the victory with the final spot-kick.
Cristiano Ronaldo brought the scores level in the second half after Spain had taken the lead twice, but he was substituted before extra time and watched the penalties unfold from the sidelines. Moments after Diogo Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s effort, Neves fired Portugal to glory, sparking emotional scenes.
Goals traded in breathless contest
Spain struck first in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi capitalized on Portugal’s failure to clear the ball, slotting home from close range. The advantage didn’t last long, however, as Nuno Mendes responded swiftly with a driven finish across Unai Simon into the far corner.
La Roja regained control through Mikel Oyarzabal before the break, with the midfielder breaking through Portugal’s back line and slipping the ball past Ruben Dias and into the net. His composed finish gave Spain a narrow lead going into halftime.
Ronaldo ensured Portugal remained in the fight with a close-range volley just after the hour mark. He broke free from Marc Cucurella to connect with a deflected cross and smash in his 138th international goal, setting up a thrilling finale.
Ronaldo emotional as Portugal prevail
The match was billed as a showdown between veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal, though both had relatively quiet spells. Yamal struggled to influence the game and was eventually replaced in extra time, having been closely marked by Mendes.
Despite being taken off before the additional period began, Ronaldo couldn’t hold back tears after Portugal’s shootout success. Shielded behind staff during the penalties, he erupted in joy as his team clinched the title.
Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Mendes all converted their penalties confidently. Spain, chasing their second consecutive Nations League crown, were denied when Costa kept out Morata’s tame strike. Neves then calmly finished the job, handing Portugal another historic triumph.
