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Portugal won their second Nations League title, defeating Spain 5-3 in a shootout after a 2-2 draw with Ruben Neves scoring the decisive penalty.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal lift the Nations League title. (AFP Photo)
Ruben Neves scored the decisive penalty after Alvaro Morata missed, as Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw in Munich on Sunday to secure their second Nations League title.
Portugal came from behind twice in regular time to equalize.
“Our fighting spirit and togetherness were decisive today,” said Bruno Fernandes, who also converted his penalty, to RTL. “When we stay together like this, we’re very difficult to beat.”
After 21 minutes, Martin Zubimendi capitalized on some poor Portuguese defending to give Spain the lead. However, the brilliant Nuno Mendes equalized five minutes later.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, who had scored in both the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final, put La Roja back in front just before halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been relatively quiet until then, equalized 61 minutes in, adjusting quickly after a Mendes cross was deflected into the air, muscling past Marc Cucurella, and volleying the ball home.
Ronaldo was substituted before full-time due to cramps. Although Portugal had the advantage during extra time, the match went to penalties.
Both teams converted their first three spot kicks. Mendes successfully scored Portugal’s fourth, before Morata’s shot went straight to Diogo Costa. Neves confidently converted the final penalty in front of the Portuguese fans.
On the sidelines, Ronaldo couldn’t bear to watch the final penalty and buried his face in a teammate’s back. Once Neves scored, Ronaldo fell to his knees and was embraced by players and staff. This victory was Portugal’s second competitive win over Iberian rival Spain in their long history, the first being a 1-0 win that eliminated Spain from Euro 2004.
Portugal became the first two-time winner of the Nations League, which was launched in 2018. This was Portugal’s third major title, along with Euro 2016.
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente described the match as “equal.” He stated, “We did a lot well, but in football sometimes things happen and the opponent is able to beat you.”
While Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal troubled the Portuguese defense early in the match, Spain’s opener was somewhat scrappy. Yamal chipped from outside the box, and the Portuguese defense failed to clear, allowing Zubimendi to score.
The goal reflected Spain’s early dominance, but Portugal responded quickly. Mendes, set up by Pedro Neto, drilled a low shot across the goal and in.
Just before halftime, Spain capitalized on a Portuguese mistake and advanced. Pedri linked up with Oyarzabal, who threaded the ball past Diogo Costa. Oyarzabal’s goal marked his third in international finals, with previous goals against England at Euro 2024 and in the 2023 and 2025 Nations League finals.
Ronaldo had been relatively quiet until that point but made his mark when Mendes crossed in the 61st minute. The ball deflected, and Ronaldo outmuscled Cucurella before striking a volley home. This goal was Ronaldo’s fourth in 10 matches against Spain, with the previous three coming in a 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup.
In the dying stages of regulation time, Ronaldo signaled to the bench that he could not continue and was substituted with three minutes left. Spain might have been confident going into extra time, having won on penalties in 2023, but Portugal was flawless. Neves stepped up and converted the final penalty, sending his teammates, including an injured Ronaldo, streaming onto the pitch.
(With AFP Inputs)
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
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