ALLIANZ ARENA: Portugal won their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night, overcoming Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 138th international goal, played a pivotal role in the final before injury forced him off late in the match.
The encounter between the Iberian rivals was a gripping one. Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi, but Portugal responded swiftly with a goal from Nuno Mendes, following a sharp link-up play with Ronaldo.
Spain regained the advantage before half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal, last year’s European Championship final hero, finished off a precise through-ball from Pedri. Portugal leveled the score in the second half, with Ronaldo converting from close range after a precise cross.
The match went into extra time, but neither side could break the deadlock, sending the contest to penalties. The decisive moment came when Spain’s Alvaro Morata missed his penalty, allowing Ruben Neves to score the winning spot-kick and seal Portugal’s victory.
An emotional Ronaldo, 40, reflected on the win, saying, “Winning for Portugal is always special. I’ve won many titles with clubs, but nothing compares to this. It’s tears, it’s joy — mission accomplished.”
Spain, who had not lost since March 2023 and had previously triumphed in a thrilling 5-4 semi-final over France, fell short despite another solid performance. Teenager Lamine Yamal, one of the breakout stars of the tournament, was kept in check for most of the match.
“This was a very balanced match,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said after the game. “Details decided it in the end. Portugal were just slightly more clinical in the shootout.”
