Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night in Munich after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain, following a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.
Rúben Neves scored the decisive penalty, sealing the win after Spain’s Álvaro Morata saw his effort saved by Diogo Costa. It was a historic moment, marking just Portugal’s second competitive win over their Iberian rivals.
The match saw Portugal come from behind twice. Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Martín Zubimendi, who capitalised on slack Portuguese defending to smash the ball into the net after a failed clearance. But Portugal responded almost immediately, with Nuno Mendes firing a low shot past Unai Simón after being set up by Pedro Neto.
Just before halftime, Spain regained the lead. After pressing high and forcing a turnover, Pedri played in Mikel Oyarzabal, who coolly slotted past Costa. The goal continued Oyarzabal’s remarkable record in finals, having scored in three straight international showpieces: the Euro 2024 final against England and both the 2023 and 2025 Nations League finals.
Portugal’s talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, had been relatively quiet, much like in the semifinal against Germany, until his winner, but he came alive in the 61st minute. After a deflected Mendes cross looped into the air, Ronaldo outmuscled Marc Cucurella and blasted a volley into the net to make it 2-2. It was his fourth career goal against Spain, the first since his famous hat-trick at the 2018 World Cup.
Ronaldo left the field late in the second half with cramps and did not take part in extra time, during which Portugal looked the stronger side. Despite their dominance, the match headed to penalties.
Both teams converted their first three spot kicks. Mendes slotted home Portugal’s fourth, and then Morata failed to convert his, shooting straight at Costa. Neves stepped up and coolly converted to secure the title, sparking wild celebrations from the Portuguese players—Ronaldo among them, hobbling onto the pitch to join his teammates.
Portugal becomes first nation to win Nations League twice
This triumph makes Portugal the first country to win the Nations League twice since the competition’s inception in 2018. It also adds a third major trophy to their collection, following the Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League title.
While Spain began the match on the front foot with quick, intelligent movement from Nico Williams and teenage star Lamine Yamal, their opening goal was the result of defensive confusion rather than brilliance. Portugal, however, showed resilience and attacking quality in their fightbacks.
The final was a showcase of Iberian football at its dramatic best—an intense, high-quality contest settled by nerves and precision from the spot, with Portugal coming out on top.
