Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over neighbors Spain in Munich, marking a memorable night for Portuguese football fans.
The final ended 2-2 after extra time, with Portugal prevailing 5-4 on penalties, becoming the first nation to win the competition twice.
In a match filled with intensity and drama, Spain took the early lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder capitalized on a failed clearance to poke the ball past Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. But their advantage was short-lived.
Portugal responded swiftly, with full-back Nuno Mendes equalizing just five minutes later. Driving into the box, Mendes unleashed a low, angled shot that beat Spain’s Unai Simon and nestled into the far corner.
Spain restored their lead before the halftime whistle, thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal, who added to his record of scoring in big matches. Oyarzabal latched onto a well-placed pass and finished confidently, making it 2-1 in Spain’s favor.
But Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, playing what could be one of his last international finals, pulled his side level once again in the 61st minute. Ronaldo shrugged off Marc Cucurella and volleyed home Mendes’ deflected cross from close range, sending Portuguese fans into raptures.
Ronaldo was subbed off just before extra time and could be seen on the sidelines, visibly emotional as the match moved into a tense final phase. With no goals scored in extra time, the final had to be decided by penalties.
Portugal’s spot-kick takers showed nerves of steel. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted flawlessly. Spain matched them until Álvaro Morata stepped up. The striker’s weak penalty was read and saved by Diogo Costa, giving Portugal the edge.
Rúben Neves took the decisive penalty and coolly slotted it past Simon to seal the win. The Portuguese bench erupted in celebration, and Ronaldo – now in tears – joined the team in jubilation.
The result denied Spain a chance to become back-to-back Nations League champions after their 2023 triumph, and elevated Portugal as the competition’s most successful side with two titles.
Portugal’s head coach praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline, especially in handling Spain’s high-press style. The win adds another prestigious trophy to Portugal’s golden era, which began with their Euro 2016 victory.
For Ronaldo, this might mark the culmination of an illustrious international career, and for Portugal, a sign that their next generation – with players like Neves, Mendes, and Costa – are ready to carry the torch.
The UEFA Nations League continues to gain prestige, and this pulsating final will be remembered as one of its most thrilling chapters.
