Portugal dethroned Spain on Sunday evening as the Nations League champions. In the final, Roberto Martínez’s team reached the penalty shootout thanks in part to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo and proved more accurate from the spot.
Embed from Getty Images
Eight days after the Champions League final captured the attention of the footballing world, it was Munich once again playing host to a high-stakes international showdown this time the UEFA Nations League final.
Two of Europe’s most storied football nations, Spain and Portugal, faced off in a match loaded with narrative weight and generational contrasts. On the pitch were five players from Paris Saint-Germain four representing Portugal and one for Spain but whatever familiarity they might have brought from club football was quickly overshadowed by the intensity and unpredictability of this final.
Unlike the tense and tactical approach that dominated the early stages of the Champions League decider, the opening 20 minutes of this Nations League final were open and balanced. Both teams looked willing to take initiative, trading possession and half-chances as they sought to impose their rhythm. The match was rich with individual battles, tactical intricacies, and above all, contrasting ambitions: Portugal seeking to reclaim the glory they had first tasted in the inaugural edition of the tournament, and Spain determined to defend their title.
Spain took the lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a brief spell of dominance. After Pedri missed a clear opportunity, it was Martín Zubimendi who made no mistake moments later, slotting home a simple rebound following a blocked shot. The Real Sociedad midfielder showed composure and sharp positioning, finishing calmly as Spain began to gain territorial control and dictate the tempo. It looked like a goal that might swing momentum firmly in their favor.
But just when Spain appeared to be settling in, Portugal struck back and in stunning fashion. Nuno Mendes, known more for his defensive solidity than his attacking flair, produced a moment of individual brilliance. Picking up the ball near the touchline, he burst past two defenders and fired a low, thunderous drive into the far corner. It was his first-ever goal for the national team, and it arrived at the perfect time to reignite Portugal's hopes and unsettle the Spanish rhythm.
Still, Spain would regain the lead just before halftime. In what was one of the finest moments of the match, Pedri, who had been quietly influential throughout the half, intercepted a pass near midfield and initiated a quick transition. His perfect through ball found Mikel Oyarzabal, who slotted past Diogo Costa with ice-cold precision. It marked Oyarzabal’s fifth goal in a major final, a remarkable record that includes strikes in the Copa del Rey final, the 2020 Olympic final, the 2021 Nations League final, Euro 2024, and now once again on the big stage. Spain entered the break with a 2-1 lead and the confidence of a team in control.
As the second half unfolded, the storyline many fans had anticipated began to emerge: the clash of generations between Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s legendary talisman, and Lamine Yamal, Spain’s teenage sensation and future hope. For the first hour, both players had remained largely on the periphery of the match. But after a Bruno Fernandes equalizer was ruled out for offside earlier in the move, the game suddenly came alive. Just past the hour mark, Ronaldo found space inside the box, nudged a defender subtly to gain position, and latched onto a low cross from the left. The 39-year-old forward smashed the ball into the net from close range, bringing Portugal level at 2-2 and sending their supporters into raptures.
That goal sparked a brief response from Yamal, who began to take on more responsibility in the Spanish attack. He attempted two long-range shots in quick succession, both struck with power and confidence, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa was equal to the task. The match, however, began to lose some of its early tempo. With both teams wary of making critical mistakes, the game slowed down. Attacks became more cautious, passes more conservative. It became increasingly clear that extra time was on the horizon.
Just before the final whistle in regular time, Portugal were dealt a blow. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had worked tirelessly despite his age, pulled up with what appeared to be a minor muscular issue. He signaled to the bench and was substituted moments before the end of 90 minutes a painful sight for Portuguese fans and perhaps a symbolic passing of the torch.
But Portugal responded admirably in extra time. Despite missing their captain, they took control, especially down the left flank where Rafael Leão and Nuno Mendes continued to terrorize the Spanish defense. Spain, meanwhile, struggled to regain their rhythm. Luis de la Fuente made all six substitutions, including the withdrawal of Lamine Yamal halfway through extra time, but none of the changes shifted the flow of the match. Portugal pressed high, won second balls, and looked the more likely to find a winner.
Still, neither side could break the deadlock. The players were visibly exhausted, with cramps, tactical fouls, and time-wasting creeping into the final minutes. The 2-2 score held, and penalties loomed as the only fair way to separate the two giants.
In the shootout, fatigue seemed to vanish as composure took over. The first seven spot-kicks were all converted with confidence. The quality of the penalties was impressive, especially given the pressure and the physical toll of 120 minutes. Then came Álvaro Morata the striker who had played the fewest minutes in the match after coming on late. His shot lacked power and placement, and Diogo Costa guessed correctly, diving to his right to make the crucial save.
Portugal, unshaken, converted their final penalty to seal a 5-3 shootout victory. Tears streamed down Cristiano Ronaldo’s face as he watched from the sidelines, overwhelmed by emotion as his country lifted the Nations League trophy for the second time. It was a moment of redemption for the veteran and a statement from a Portuguese squad that blends youth and experience with ambition and resilience.
Spain, for all their technical quality and tactical discipline, fell just short. Questions will now arise about the squad’s ability to close out finals and whether their promising young talents can evolve quickly enough to restore the dominance of the golden generation.
As for Portugal, they leave Munich as deserved champions, having shown grit, talent, and unity throughout the match. With a new generation led by stars like Rafael Leão, João Neves, and António Silva, and the enduring presence of figures like Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Costa, the future looks bright. But for now, the moment belongs to Ronaldo a living legend who, perhaps in his final international tournament, helped deliver another trophy to his nation.
Updated: 11:42, 9 Jun 2025
