Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title after edging out Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in the final played Sunday night in Munich.
Cristiano Ronaldo brought Portugal level in the 61st minute with a close-range volley after shrugging off Marc Cucurella to meet a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes.
The equaliser came after a frenetic first half that saw Spain take the lead through Martín Zubimendi in the 21st minute, before Mendes responded just five minutes later with a powerful low strike past Unai Simón. Mikel Oyarzabal then restored Spain’s lead shortly before halftime with a clinical finish.
Despite several attempts from both sides, the second half and extra time yielded no further goals, pushing the match into a tense penalty shootout. Ronaldo, who had been substituted before extra time, watched from the sidelines in visible emotion as the shootout unfolded.
Portugal were flawless from the spot. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted their penalties.
The turning point came when Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s effort, allowing Rúben Neves to seal the victory. Neves made no mistake, striking the decisive penalty that confirmed Portugal’s triumph.
With the win, Portugal become the first country to claim the UEFA Nations League title twice, denying defending champions Spain the same honour.
The result cements Portugal’s position as one of Europe’s most successful national teams in recent years and marks another iconic chapter in Ronaldo’s legendary career.
