Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday, defeating defending champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after a gripping 2-2 draw in extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 138th international goal to take the match to penalties, was visibly emotional as he captained his country to victory. Alvaro Morata’s miss proved decisive, with midfielder Ruben Neves calmly converting the winning penalty to ignite celebrations and move the veteran forward to tears.
“Winning for Portugal is always special,” Ronaldo told Sport TV. “I’ve won many titles at club level, but nothing compares to this. These are tears of joy—mission accomplished.”
Spain entered the final unbeaten since March 2023, following a thrilling 5-4 semi-final win over France. They looked poised to add another title after Martin Zubimendi gave them the lead in the 21st minute. However, Portugal responded swiftly through Nuno Mendes, who scored following a well-crafted move involving Ronaldo.
Spain regained the advantage before half-time thanks to a brilliant assist from Pedri, setting up Mikel Oyarzabal—the hero of last year’s European Championship final.
The final was framed as a symbolic duel between experience and youth—40-year-old Ronaldo versus Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal. While Yamal struggled to find his rhythm, Ronaldo seized his moment, equalising midway through the second half before leaving the pitch injured near the end of extra time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in added time, the match was decided by penalties, where Portugal held their nerve, converting all five attempts.
“Small details make the difference,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said post-match. “It was a very balanced game, and towards the end of extra time, I felt we had done enough to avoid a shootout—but credit to Portugal.”
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