- Yet, the evening's pivotal moment occurred in the 61st minute when Cristiano Ronaldo, making a remarkable appearance at the age of 40, unleashed a powerful volley to bring the score to 2-2.
- Portugal now turns its attention to the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers, while Spain needs to regroup and tackle the issues that led to their defeat.
Portugal triumphed in a thrilling UEFA Nations League final on Sunday, June 8, 2025, defeating Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a tense 2-2 draw that included extra time. The match, hosted at Munich’s Allianz Arena, marked Portugal’s second Nations League title, making them the first team to achieve this feat twice.
The final showcased a captivating array of momentum swings and standout performances. Spain took the lead early in the 21st minute when Martín Zubimendi exploited a defensive mistake to score. However, Portugal quickly responded, with Nuno Mendes heading in an equalizer just five minutes later, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive match.
Spain regained their advantage before halftime through a composed finish by Mikel Oyarzabal. Yet, the evening's pivotal moment occurred in the 61st minute when Cristiano Ronaldo, making a remarkable appearance at the age of 40, unleashed a powerful volley to bring the score to 2-2.
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This goal marked his 138th for his national team, further solidifying his legendary reputation.
The match remained tied through extra time, as both sides exhibited signs of fatigue. Ronaldo was substituted late in the second half, visibly emotional and grabbing his thigh, sparking worries about his physical condition.
During the penalty shootout, Portugal displayed remarkable composure. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a crucial save against Álvaro Morata, the only miss from either side in the shootout. Rúben Neves stepped forward and confidently converted the final penalty, clinching the victory for Portugal.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, commended his team's determination and spirit, labeling the win "a reward for suffering and belief."
Nuno Mendes, who significantly contributed on both ends of the field, was awarded Man of the Match.
For Spain, this defeat marks a painful second consecutive loss in the Nations League final. Despite a strong start, their performance waned in the final stages, creating concerns regarding game management and squad depth.
Portugal now turns its attention to the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers, while Spain needs to regroup and tackle the issues that led to their defeat.
