In an emotionally charged finale at Munich's Allianz Arena, Portugal carved its name into football history by defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time. This hard-fought victory secured Portugal's second UEFA Nations League trophy – making them the first nation to achieve this feat since the tournament's inception in 2019.
The match unfolded as a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Spain seizing the initiative early. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, slotting home after intricate build-up play. Portugal responded swiftly when Nuno Mendes powered in a header just five minutes later. Spain regained the lead seconds before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal, capitalizing on defensive disarray following a set-piece.
The second half witnessed a moment of individual brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old legend notched his 138th international goal in the 61st minute with a first-time volley that curled into the far corner, reigniting Portuguese hopes. However, the talismanic forward suffered an injury late in regulation time, forcing his substitution to audible dismay from supporters.
Extra time saw both sides exhaustively push for a winner, with Spain's Álvaro Morata and Portugal's Rafael Leão coming closest. When no decisive goal materialized, the final advanced to penalties – a fitting conclusion for a tournament decided by spot kicks for the second consecutive edition.
The shootout proved decisive when Spanish striker Morata saw his attempt parried by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Ruben Neves, the former Wolves captain, stepped up to thunder home the winning penalty, triggering euphoric scenes among the Seleção players. Watching from the sidelines, an overcome Ronaldo sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face as the magnitude of the achievement washed over him.
"This victory represents the heart of Portuguese football," manager Roberto Martínez later stated. "These players wrote history through unwavering belief against formidable opponents."
The triumph carries profound historical significance. Portugal now stands alone as the only nation with multiple Nations League titles, having previously claimed the inaugural 2019 edition against the Netherlands. Conversely, Spain becomes the first team to lose two finals, having fallen to France in the controversial 2021 decider.
For Ronaldo, this marks a crowning moment in his storied international career. Already a European Championship winner (2016), he now becomes the only Portuguese player to lift two Nations League trophies. His emotional display underscored the personal significance amid ongoing questions about his international future.
The victory also delivered personal redemption for Spanish-born coach Martínez. After suffering quarterfinal penalty heartbreak with Portugal at Euro 2024 and enduring Belgium's near-misses in previous tournaments, the 51-year-old finally secured his first international silverware. The achievement comes 12 years after his famous FA Cup triumph with Wigan Athletic.
As Portugal's players embarked on jubilant celebrations, contrasting scenes unfolded for Spain. Despite dominating large stretches of the match and seeking redemption after their 2021 final loss, La Roja fell short once more. For Portugal, however, this victory solidifies their status as a modern international powerhouse and provides a golden climax to their Nations League journey.
The triumph also raises compelling questions about the team's future. With emerging talents like João Neves and António Silva integrating alongside veterans like Ronaldo and Pepe, Portugal appears poised to challenge for further honors. As confetti rained down in Munich, one truth became undeniable: the Iberian football hierarchy has witnessed a decisive shift toward Lisbon.
