Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday night, edging past Spain in a penalty shootout following a tense 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in what could be his final international tournament at age 40, scored a crucial equaliser in the 61st minute but was subbed off before extra time. The legendary forward was visibly emotional, collapsing in tears after Ruben Neves netted the winning penalty following a decisive save by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Spain opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi capitalized on Portugal’s failure to clear a dangerous ball. Portugal responded almost immediately, with Nuno Mendes drilling a low shot past Unai Simon just five minutes later.
La Roja regained the lead before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal. Still, Ronaldo struck again in the second half — his 138th international goal — after pouncing on a deflected cross to level the match at 2-2.
With extra time yielding no further goals, the final was decided on penalties. Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Mendes all scored for Portugal. Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata set the stage for Neves, who coolly converted to seal Portugal’s triumph.
The victory makes Portugal the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice, having previously lifted the inaugural trophy in 2019. Meanwhile, Spain were denied back-to-back titles after their 2023 success.
