Portugal reclaimed the UEFA Nations League crown after defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties in a dramatic final on Sunday night at the Allianz Arena, following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time.
Okay.ng reports that the Selecao came from behind twice in regulation time, showcasing resilience and composure before triumphing in the shootout.
The victory makes Portugal the first nation to win the Nations League title twice, having also claimed the inaugural trophy in 2019.
The match, billed as a generational duel between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, saw Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal initially stealing the spotlight for Spain. Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, capitalising on a poor clearance to put La Roja ahead.
Portugal responded swiftly through Nuno Mendes, who buried Pedro Neto’s cross into the bottom corner just five minutes later.
Spain restored their lead on the stroke of halftime when Oyarzabal converted Pedri’s pass, giving Luis de la Fuente’s side a 2-1 edge going into the break.
But the momentum shifted in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo, turning 40 this year, continued to defy time and expectations, firing home the equaliser from a loose ball in the 74th minute to make it 2-2. It marked his 138th international goal and his eighth in nine Nations League appearances.
The energy levels dipped in extra time following a series of substitutions and fatigued legs—Ronaldo among those taken off. Neither side could find the winner in the additional 30 minutes, pushing the final into penalties.
In the shootout, Diego Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s attempt, while Ruben Neves stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick, sealing Portugal’s third major international trophy.
The win marks Portugal’s first victory over Spain in 15 years, with their last coming in a 4-0 friendly win in 2010. For Ronaldo, it was another proud moment in a glittering international career, as he helped lead his nation to yet another title.
