Portugal claimed their second UEFA Nations League title after defeating Spain in a dramatic final in Munich. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Portugal ultimately winning the penalty shootout 5-3.
Cristiano Ronaldo played a significant part in Portugal`s triumph, which adds a third international trophy to his collection. Spain`s Alvaro Morata, however, endured disappointment as his missed penalty proved costly.
Under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, the Portuguese side replicated their success from the inaugural 2019 tournament. They twice had to come from behind against the reigning European champions in a captivating encounter.
Ronaldo, at 40 years old, scored a spectacular equalising volley in the 61st minute to make it 2-2. This goal was his 938th career goal and 138th for his country. Despite his goalscoring contribution, he watched the penalty shootout from the bench, as did Spain`s 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal.
The penalty shootout saw Ruben Neves convert the winning spot-kick for Portugal after Alvaro Morata`s attempt for Spain was saved by Diogo Costa.
The final was a contest to be the first nation to win the Nations League twice.
Following a cautious start, the game burst into life around the 17th minute with a shot from Nico Williams. Four minutes later, Spain took the lead. Lamine Yamal`s cross caused disarray in the Portugal defence, allowing Martin Zubimendi, linked with Arsenal, to score his second international goal.
Portugal responded swiftly. An attack sparked by Cristiano Ronaldo`s run led to Nuno Mendes firing a low shot into the net in the 26th minute. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check deemed Ronaldo onside in the build-up.
Spain regained their lead just before halftime. Pedri delivered a superb reverse pass to set up Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored in first-half injury time. Oyarzabal, notably the player who scored against England in the last Euros final, once again delivered a crucial goal.
Portugal made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Ruben Neves and Nelson Semedo. This substitution nearly paid off immediately when Bruno Fernandes had a goal disallowed for offside in the 49th minute.
The Portuguese equaliser seemed inevitable. Cristiano Ronaldo was quickest to react to a deflected cross that wrong-footed Marc Cucurella, netting his eighth goal of the Nations League campaign.
Ronaldo left the field with a muscular injury in the 88th minute. Lamine Yamal was substituted in the 106th minute as the match became increasingly physical, including a VAR review for a potential red card after a confrontation involving multiple players.
In the penalty shootout, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all successfully converted their spot-kicks before Ruben Neves stepped up to score the decisive penalty, securing the trophy for Portugal.
