Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title after a dramatic 2-2 draw and a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain in Munich on SundaY night.
Veteran midfielder Ruben Neves netted the decisive spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations and leaving Cristiano Ronaldo in tears of joy.
Spain started the game in dominant fashion, controlling possession and tempo. Their pressure paid off when Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring. But Portugal hit back swiftly, with Nuno Mendes equalising just five minutes later with a powerful strike.
Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal—Spain’s hero in the Euro 2024 final—restored his nation’s lead with a clinical finish. Portugal thought they had levelled again through Bruno Fernandes, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo, however, came through when it mattered most. The 40-year-old talisman latched onto a loose ball in the box and poked home to make it 2-2 with thirty minutes to go. Neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time, sending the match into penalties.
Diogo Costa became the hero in goal, saving Álvaro Morata’s penalty. Moments later, Ruben Neves stepped up and coolly slotted home the winner, sealing the trophy for Portugal.
The match was also billed as a symbolic clash between generations—Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary figure nearing the end of his career, and Lamine Yamal, Spain’s 17-year-old prodigy. Yamal had shown tremendous promise throughout the tournament, with many already tipping him as a future Ballon d’Or contender.
But on the night, Ronaldo showed he still had fire in him. Early in the match, he chased down Yamal and dispossessed the teenager—an effort that had fans buzzing on social media.
One fan wrote: “Ronaldo (40) taking the ball off Yamal (17) .. this is CINEMA.” Another said: “Ronaldo dispossessing Yamal—that’s my GOAT.”
Portugal’s first goal by Nuno Mendes came amid controversy. Ronaldo appeared to be offside in the build-up but VAR ruled him onside, allowing the goal to stand. The call sparked debate online.
“That was a clear offside by Ronaldo. This tournament is rigged for Portugal,” one fan claimed. Another countered: “How Ronaldo manages to beat the offside trap is serious.”
Though on the losing side, Mikel Oyarzabal continued to build his reputation as a big-game player. After scoring in the Euro 2024 final, the Real Sociedad forward again found the net on the big stage, showing composure and precision.
As Ruben Neves’ winning penalty hit the back of the net, Portugal’s players swarmed the pitch in celebration. Ronaldo, overwhelmed with emotion, dropped to his knees in tears. At 40, he had once again proven decisive on the international stage, guiding his country to yet another major title.