Portugal won 5-3 over Spain on penalty to claim their second UEFA Nations League title, making them the first team to win the tournament twice since its inception in 2018.
Gatekeepers News reports that despite falling behind twice in regular time, Portugal showed resilience to level the match on both occasions.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the second equaliser before being substituted with cramp during extra time. The victory also marked Roberto Martinez’s first international trophy as Portugal’s manager.
Spain dominated early proceedings with the fluid attacking movement of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal troubling Portugal’s defense. Then after a botched Portuguese clearance, Zubimendi slammed the ball into the net following a chipped attempt by Yamal.
Portugal responded swiftly. Pedro Neto released Nuno Mendes, who slotted a precise low shot across the goal to equalize.
Just before halftime, Spain regained the lead after capitalising on a Portuguese error in their half. Pedri linked up with Mikel Oyarzabal, who tucked the ball past Diogo Costa. Oyarzabal’s goal added to his impressive scoring record in three international finals: Euro 2024, and the 2023 and 2025 Nations League finals.
Ronaldo made his presence felt in the 61st minute. After Mendes beat his marker and delivered a cross, a deflection sent the ball into the air. Ronaldo outmuscled Marc Cucurella and fired home a volley.
As regulation time wound down, Ronaldo went to ground with a cramp and signaled to be substituted. The match then proceeded into extra time.
Both teams converted their first three penalties. Nuno Mendes scored Portugal’s fourth before Alvaro Morata stepped up for Spain and shot straight at Diogo Costa.
Lastly, Ruben Neves stepped forward and coolly slotted home the decisive penalty, sealing a historic victory. Portugal’s players rushed onto the pitch in celebration.
This victory marked Portugal’s second-ever competitive win over Spain, the first being a 1-0 win at Euro 2004.
