Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday in Munich, beating Spain 5-3 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw. Ruben Neves netted the decisive spot kick after Alvaro Morata failed to convert for Spain.
In a dramatic and fiercely contested match, Portugal twice came from behind in regulation time to force extra time and eventually penalties.
Spain took an early lead in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi capitalised on poor defending to lash the ball past Diogo Costa. But Portugal responded swiftly, with Nuno Mendes levelling just five minutes later after a sharp assist from Pedro Neto.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage just before halftime, continuing his remarkable record of scoring in major finals. However, Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the 61st minute with a stunning volley after a deflected cross from Mendes, bringing the match level once more.
The 39-year-old Portuguese captain, who had scored the winner in the semi-final against Germany, was later subbed off due to cramp late in the second half.
Extra time produced no further goals, despite Portugal dominating possession and creating better chances.
In the penalty shootout, both teams converted their first three kicks. Mendes struck Portugal’s fourth with precision before Morata’s tame effort was saved by Costa. Neves then calmly slotted home to seal the win for Portugal.
This victory marks Portugal’s third major international trophy after Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League title in 2019. It also ends Spain’s run of three consecutive final appearances with just one title — Euro 2024 — to show for it.
The match was only Portugal’s second competitive victory over Spain, the last coming in Euro 2004. Their latest triumph, once again featuring Ronaldo, cements their place in European football history as the first team to win the Nations League twice.
