Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties: Nations League final – as it happened
Portugal vs Spain
In a pulsating and electrifying encounter that will be etched into the annals of football history, Portugal emerged victorious over their Iberian neighbors Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim their second UEFA Nations League trophy in a frenetic final held in Munich. The match, played at the iconic Allianz Arena, was a showcase of tactical brilliance, raw emotion, and individual heroics, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in a contest that swung back and forth like a pendulum. The final scoreline, which remained deadlocked at 2-2 after 120 minutes of intense action, was ultimately decided by the nerve-wracking lottery of penalties, where Portugal’s composure and goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s heroics proved decisive. This victory not only cemented Portugal’s status as a powerhouse in European football but also marked a historic milestone, as they became the first nation to lift the Nations League trophy twice, denying Spain the chance to achieve the same feat.
The match began with an air of anticipation, as fans in Munich and millions watching worldwide eagerly awaited a clash between two footballing giants. Spain, the defending champions of the 2023 Nations League and fresh off their triumph at the previous summer’s European Championship, struck first in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from Portugal. Martin Zubimendi, the composed Real Sociedad midfielder, was the beneficiary of Portugal’s failure to clear their lines, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to poke it past goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The goal sent a ripple of excitement through the Spanish contingent, who sensed an opportunity to assert early dominance. Spain’s intricate passing and relentless pressing had Portugal on the back foot, and for a moment, it seemed as though La Roja would dictate the tempo of the game. Their midfield, orchestrated by the likes of Zubimendi and the ever-reliable Rodri, was a picture of control, threading passes with surgical precision and suffocating Portugal’s attempts to build from the back. However, the lead was short-lived, as Portugal’s resilience and attacking flair came to the fore just five minutes later. Nuno Mendes, the dynamic Paris Saint-Germain full-back, unleashed a thunderous low strike from an acute angle, catching Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon off guard and rifling the ball into the far corner of the net. The equalizer was a statement of intent from Portugal, who refused to be cowed by Spain’s early aggression, and the Allianz Arena erupted as the scoreline was leveled at 1-1.
As the first half progressed, the match took on a frenetic rhythm, with both sides trading blows in a display of attacking intent and defensive solidity. Spain regained their advantage just before the break, thanks to the ingenuity of Mikel Oyarzabal, the hero of their European Championship final triumph over England. Oyarzabal, showcasing his knack for delivering in big moments, produced a moment of magic that split Portugal’s midfield wide open. His clever flick sent the ball into the path of a teammate, and after a swift exchange of passes, Oyarzabal found himself in space, coolly rounding Manchester City’s Rúben Dias before slotting the ball past Costa with clinical precision. The goal was a testament to Spain’s attacking fluidity and their ability to exploit even the smallest of gaps in Portugal’s defense. For Portugal, the setback was a bitter pill to swallow, but they retreated to the dressing room at halftime knowing that their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, was yet to truly make his mark on the game. The first half had been relatively quiet for both Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who had been billed as the protagonists in a generational showdown. Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy and favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, was largely kept in check by Mendes’ disciplined defending, while Ronaldo, at 40, was still searching for the moment that would define his night.
The second half saw Portugal come out with renewed vigor, driven by the indomitable spirit of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. In the 61st minute, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reminded the world why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players. A deflected cross from Nuno Mendes found its way into the Spanish penalty area, and Ronaldo, shrugging off the attentions of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella with a blend of strength and guile, hooked a volley past Unai Simon from close range. The goal, his 138th for Portugal, was a moment of pure instinct, showcasing the predatory finishing that has defined his illustrious career. The Allianz Arena roared as Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, his trademark passion igniting the Portuguese fans in the stands. The equalizer shifted the momentum firmly in Portugal’s favor, and for the next half-hour, the game became a chess match, with both teams probing for weaknesses but finding little joy. Spain’s defense, marshaled by Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian, stood firm against Portugal’s attacking surges, while Costa was equal to anything Spain threw at him. As the referee signaled the end of normal time, the score remained locked at 2-2, setting the stage for an extra 30 minutes of high-stakes drama.
Extra time saw both teams push their physical and mental limits, with fatigue beginning to take its toll. Ronaldo, who had been substituted before the additional period to make way for Gonçalo Ramos, watched anxiously from the sidelines, his emotions laid bare for all to see. Spain came agonizingly close to snatching a late winner, with efforts from Tottenham’s Pedro Porro and Cucurella testing Portugal’s resolve, but Costa’s heroics in goal kept the scoreline intact. Yamal, who had struggled to make an impact against Mendes’ relentless marking, was also withdrawn in extra time, his dreams of a defining moment in the final put on hold. As the clock ticked down, it became clear that the match would be decided by a penalty shootout, a scenario that filled the Allianz Arena with a palpable sense of tension. Ronaldo, unable to watch the drama unfold, hid behind Portugal’s coaching staff, his nerves betraying the weight of the moment. Portugal’s penalty takers, however, displayed ice-cold composure. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted their spot-kicks with authority, piling the pressure on Spain. When Álvaro Morata stepped up for La Roja, his weak effort was read perfectly by Costa, who dove to his right to make a crucial save. The Allianz Arena held its breath as Rúben Neves stepped up to take Portugal’s final penalty, and when he calmly slotted it home, the stadium erupted in a cacophony of noise. Portugal had done it—they had won their second Nations League title, denying Spain the chance to match their achievement.
The aftermath of the shootout was a scene of raw emotion. Ronaldo, who had been overcome with tears of joy as Neves’ penalty hit the net, wiped his eyes and joined his teammates in celebration, lifting the trophy amidst a shower of confetti that illuminated the Munich night sky. For Ronaldo, the victory was another chapter in a storied career, a testament to his enduring ability to deliver when it matters most. For Spain, the defeat was a bitter pill, but their performance had been a showcase of their depth and quality, with players like Oyarzabal and Zubimendi proving their worth on the biggest stage. The final had been billed as a clash between Ronaldo and Yamal, but in truth, it was a collective effort from both sides that made the match unforgettable. Portugal’s triumph was a blend of experience and youth, with veterans like Ronaldo and emerging stars like Mendes and Costa stepping up when it mattered. As the players embraced and the fans sang into the night, the 2025 Nations League final was cemented as a classic, a fitting testament to the passion, drama, and unpredictability of international football.
