Portugal lifted their second UEFA Nations League trophy on Sunday night with a 5–3 penalty shootout victory against Spain following an electrifying 2–2 draw in the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The win capped a thrilling contest that tested both teams’ skill and resolve, and it underscored Portugal’s growing reputation in Europe’s newest national team competition.
Spain struck first when Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 12th minute. He slotted a low drive past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after a swift combination on the left flank. Portugal responded just 14 minutes later when Paris Saint-Germain full‑back Nuno Mendes thundered in his first international goal. Mendes received the ball about twenty meters from goal, cut inside past defender Óscar Mingueza, and curled a powerful strike into the far corner to level the match.
Midway through the second half, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead with a precise volley from the edge of the box, leaving Costa rooted to the spot. Portugal refused to wilt under pressure. Their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo produced a signature moment in the 61st minute with his record‑extending 138th international goal. The 40‑year‑old superstar connected with a pinpoint cross and unleashed a perfectly timed volley that beat Spain’s keeper Unai Simón, drawing applause from fans and respect from opponents alike.
Extra time failed to produce a decisive breakthrough, though both sides moved the ball with purpose. Portugal’s Diogo Costa and Spain’s Unai Simón each made key saves to deny attempts by Bruno Fernandes and Dani Carvajal, respectively. When the penalty shootout began, both teams converted their first three efforts. Spain’s fourth shooter, Álvaro Morata, faced Costa’s unwavering focus. The 25‑year‑old keeper dove to his right and parried Morata’s spot kick, igniting celebration among Portuguese supporters. Moments later, Rúben Neves stepped up and calmly tucked home the winning penalty, sending Portugal’s players and fans into raptures.
Costa’s heroics marked a continuation of his reputation for penalty mastery. The FC Porto goalkeeper had already distinguished himself at UEFA Euro 2024 by becoming the first keeper in the tournament to save three consecutive penalties. His composure under pressure and lightning‑quick reflexes proved decisive once more in Munich.
Mendes earned widespread praise for his all‑round performance and received the finals’ Player of the Tournament award. His tireless work rate on defense neutralized Spain’s youthful winger Lamine Yamal, and his attacking bursts added a vital spark to Portugal’s game plan. Analysts noted that his contribution went beyond statistics, as he provided energy and organization on the left flank from kickoff to final whistle.
Ronaldo’s emotional reaction after the final whistle captured the human drama of the moment. Substituted in the 88th minute to a standing ovation, he returned to the sideline in tears, stating later that the victory meant as much to him as any of his previous international honors. His influence on and off the field remains remarkable, and his quest for further records shows no sign of slowing.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, acknowledged Portugal’s resilience and praised his own players for their spirited performance. He noted that the match demonstrated why the Nations League has quickly become a fixture of European football, providing high‑quality encounters between top teams.
Portugal’s triumph cements their place as the only nation to have won the UEFA Nations League twice since the competition began in 2018. Their first success came in the inaugural season under coach Fernando Santos, and this second title underlines their consistency at the top level of international play. As Europe’s leading teams look ahead to the next campaign, Portugal will carry forward the confidence and unity that have defined their rise in recent years.
