“I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. These are tears. It’s mission accomplished and so much joy.” – Ronaldo
Portugal reclaimed the UEFA Nations League title after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Spain, following a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time at the Allianz Arena.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 138th international goal to level the game at 2-2, left the pitch injured late on but was visibly emotional as he watched his teammates seal the victory. The decisive moment came when goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick, allowing Ruben Neves to convert the final penalty and trigger wild celebrations.
The match was a hard contest between the two rivals and was marked by moments of brilliance and determination. Spain initially took the lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi, but Portugal hit back almost immediately when Nuno Mendes rifled home an equalizer after good work from Ronaldo and Pedro Neto.
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Spain regained their lead before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal, who finished a superb through-ball from Pedri. However, Portugal responded once more in the second half, with Mendes turning provider as Ronaldo volleyed home to level the scores again.
17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, expected to shine, was largely kept quiet by the tireless Nuno Mendes, while Portugal’s resilience under coach Roberto Martinez proved decisive in the shootout.
Portugal converted all five penalties—Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Mendes, and Neves—while Spain’s Morata was the only player to miss.
“I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal,” Ronaldo said. “These are tears. It’s mission accomplished and so much joy.”
The thrilling finale sets the stage for both teams to head into the 2026 World Cup as serious contenders, having also defeated Germany and France, respectively, in the semi-finals.
