Portugal won the UEFA Nations League after beating Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout. The final ended 2-2 after extra time. It’s the second time Portugal have won the tournament, making them the first team to do so more than once.
The match was fast and exciting, with both sides having good chances early on. Portugal almost scored in the first few minutes when Joao Neves missed a shot after a clever corner routine. Spain responded with a great chance of their own, but Pedri’s shot went just wide.
Spain took the lead when a cross from Lamine Yamal was only half-cleared, and Martin Zubimendi scored from close range. But Portugal quickly equalised, thanks to a powerful strike from Nuno Mendes.
Just before half-time, Spain regained the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal finished off a smart move. After the break, Bruno Fernandes scored for Portugal, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Portugal kept pushing and finally made it 2-2 when Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in a deflected cross at the back post. Spain came close to scoring again, but Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a brilliant save to take the match to extra time.
Extra time was quiet, with both teams making changes and seemingly happy to go to penalties. Spain had won the shootout in the 2023 final, but this time it was Portugal’s turn. Alvaro Morata missed Spain’s fourth penalty, and Ruben Neves scored the winner for Portugal.
This might be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international tournament, and if so, it was a perfect ending. Nuno Mendes was named Man of the Match.
