Portugal emerged victorious in a pulsating Nations League final against Iberian rivals Spain, securing their second title in the competition after a tense penalty shootout that culminated in a 5-3 triumph in Munich. The dramatic conclusion saw Cristiano Ronaldo overcome with emotion as his teammates completed the victory he helped initiate with a crucial equalizer earlier in the match.
The Allianz Arena witnessed a contest that remained deadlocked after extra time despite both teams creating numerous opportunities. Spain initially seized control with Martín Zubimendi opening the scoring in the 28th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Portugal responded immediately through Nuno Mendes, who unleashed a fierce low drive that found the net just five minutes later.
Spain regained the advantage shortly before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal demonstrated clinical finishing after being set up by Pedri, marking his third goal in major tournament finals. The match appeared to be tilting in Spain's favor until the inevitable intervention of Ronaldo. The legendary forward leveled the score on the hour mark with a perfectly timed volley after Mendes' deflected cross created chaos in the Spanish penalty area - his 134th international goal.
As the match progressed into extra time, Portugal created the clearer opportunities. Diogo Jota missed a golden chance to win it in the dying seconds, sending his header over the bar. The decisive moment arrived in the penalty shootout when Spanish striker Álvaro Morata saw his spot-kick saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Ruben Neves then stepped up to convert the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese contingent.
Emotional scenes as Ronaldo celebrates Portugal's Nations League triumph. Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
For Ronaldo, who had been substituted in normal time, the climax proved almost unbearable to watch. The 40-year-old icon covered his face on the touchline as Neves approached the penalty spot, only dropping to his knees in tears when the net rippled. The victory marks Ronaldo's 34th major trophy in a storied career that continues to yield silverware.
Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente acknowledged his team's disappointment but expressed pride in their recent achievements. "We've dominated European football for two years with consecutive trophies," he noted, referencing Spain's 2023 Nations League title and Euro 2024 championship. His Portuguese counterpart Roberto Martínez praised his squad's resilience: "When it came to the decisive moments, our players showed the mentality of champions."
The match featured an intriguing subplot between generations, with 17-year-old Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal creating several dangerous opportunities early in the contest. However, the evening ultimately belonged to the veteran Ronaldo and his supporting cast. Diogo Costa emerged as the shootout hero with his crucial save against Morata, while substitutes Rafael Leão and Diogo Jota significantly impacted Portugal's attacking thrust during extra time.
The tournament's third-place playoff saw France secure a 2-0 victory over Germany. Kylian Mbappé reached a significant personal milestone, scoring his 50th international goal to become France's second-highest all-time scorer, trailing only Olivier Giroud. The Real Madrid forward also provided the assist for Michael Olise's late goal that sealed the result.
Portugal's triumph completes an impressive Nations League campaign, adding to their inaugural tournament victory in 2019. As the celebrations continued late into the Munich night, captain Ronaldo hoisted the trophy alongside teammates who had turned the dream of international glory into reality once again. The victory solidifies Portugal's status as a force in European football and provides a perfect send-off for several veterans who may conclude their international careers on the highest note.
