Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night, defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who brought Portugal level in the 61st minute with a close-range volley, was subbed off before extra time and watched the climax from the sidelines.
The 40-year-old collapsed in tears as Ruben Neves scored the decisive penalty following Diogo Costa’s crucial save from Alvaro Morata.
Spain, winners of the 2023 edition, took the lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi after Portugal failed to clear a dangerous delivery.
Nuno Mendes responded quickly, drilling a low effort past Unai Simon just five minutes later.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored La Roja’s lead before the interval, but Ronaldo equalised again midway through the second half, latching onto a deflected cross to hook in his 138th international goal.
With no goals in extra time, the final went to penalties. Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Mendes all converted for Portugal, while Costa’s save from Morata handed Neves the chance to seal victory, one he duly took.
The win makes Portugal the first nation to lift the Nations League trophy twice, denying Spain a historic repeat triumph.
