Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night, defeating rivals Spain 5-3 on penalties after a tense 2-2 draw in Munich. Ruben Neves scored the decisive penalty after Alvaro Morata’s miss proved costly for La Roja.
The Iberian showdown saw Spain twice take the lead, only for Portugal to respond both times. Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a defensive lapse, but Portugal responded swiftly through Nuno Mendes, who fired home following a sharp assist from Pedro Neto.
Spain reclaimed the lead just before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted after slick buildup play involving Pedri. Oyarzabal now has goals in three different international finals, including the 2023 and 2025 Nations League deciders.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been quiet for much of the first hour, made his mark in the 61st minute. Mendes’ deflected cross was met by Ronaldo, who held off Marc Cucurella to smash in a powerful volley—his fourth career goal against Spain.
Ronaldo limped off late in the game, but his teammates held strong. Extra time failed to produce a winner, sending the match to penalties, where Portugal converted all five spot-kicks. Neves sealed the win after Morata’s earlier miss, sparking celebrations among the Portuguese squad and fans.
It marks Portugal’s third major international title, following their Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League triumphs. They also become the first nation to win the Nations League twice since the tournament’s launch in 2018.
