Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title with a dramatic 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout against Spain, after an intense 2-2 draw that lasted through extra time. The match, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, witnessed a fierce battle between the Iberian neighbours and was attended by over 65,000 fans.
Match Summary
Spain started strong and took the lead in the 21st minute through midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who finished calmly after a well-worked move. However, Portugal responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes equalised it by scoring the goal, making it 1-1. Spain regained their lead just before halftime. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a goal in added time of the first half, giving La Roja a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
In the second half, Portugal looked more dangerous. In the 61st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo scored with confidence, finishing off a superb pass from Nuno Mendes. It was his 138th goal for the national team and brought Portugal back on level terms at 2-2. Despite chances on both sides, neither team could find the winning goal during normal or extra time, leading the match to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the shootout, all Portuguese players scored their penalties with confidence. Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata was the only player to miss in the shootout, with his effort being stopped by Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Rúben Neves then stepped up to take the final penalty for Portugal and calmly converted it, sealing a 5-3 shootout win and sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese players and fans.
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Standout Performer: Nuno Mendes
Portugal’s left-back Nuno Mendes was named Man of the Match for his exceptional performance. He played a key role by scoring Portugal’s first goal, setting up Ronaldo’s equaliser, and also scoring in the penalty shootout. His energetic runs and smart defending kept Spain’s attackers in check throughout the game.
Ronaldo Post Match Interview
“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears. It’s a duty done and a lot of joy.Cristiano Ronaldo, got substituted before the shootout, received a standing ovation as he left the field. He was visibly emotional and waved to the crowd, possibly hinting at a farewell in major tournaments.
Historic Win
With this triumph, Portugal became the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice, having previously claimed the title in 2019. Spain, who were looking to defend their 2023 title, came up just short in a final that was full of intensity, passion, and high-quality football.
Final Score
- Portugal 2-2 Spain (Portugal won 5-3 on penalties)
- Spain: Zubimendi (21′), Oyarzabal (45+1′)
- Portugal: Mendes (26′), Ronaldo (61′)
With this win, Portugal adds another trophy to their modern football era, joining the EURO 2016 and Nations League 2019 titles. Despite the defeat, Spain can remain optimistic as a new generation of talented youngsters continues to emerge. The match will be remembered as a classic Iberian derby, showcasing two of Europe’s finest footballing nations at their best.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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