Portugal Wins Nations League: Ronaldo, Yamal Shine in Final

MUNICH, GERMANY—Under the floodlights of Munich’s Allianz Arena, Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa plunged to his right to parry Álvaro Morata’s penalty, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory for Portugal over Spain in a UEFA Nations League final that delivered relentless drama. After 120 minutes of end-to-end football ended 2-2, Portugal’s ice-cool penalty takers and Costa’s heroics secured their second Nations League title—making them the first nation to win the trophy twice 86.

The clash pitted 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo against Spain’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal—a symbolic baton-pass between generations. Ronaldo netted his 138th international goal to equalize in the second half, while Yamal’s electrifying runs tormented Portugal’s defense all night. Yet it was Costa, lauded as “the MVP of the tournament” by coach Roberto Martínez, whose hands lifted the trophy 58.

Match Overview: Goals, Grit, and Glory

• Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
• Attendance: 70,000 (sell-out)
• Result: Portugal 2–2 Spain (5–3 on penalties)
• Key Scorers: Mendes (26′), Ronaldo (61′) for Portugal; Zubimendi (21′), Oyarzabal (45′) for Spain 86

The Decisive Moments

First Half: Spanish Flair Meets Portuguese Resolve

Spain struck first in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi finished a slick team move. After Mikel Oyarzabal’s deft flick released the midfielder, Yamal’s cross caused chaos, allowing Zubimendi to bundle the ball home . Portugal responded five minutes later: Nuno Mendes lashed a vicious half-volley into the far corner after a disputed build-up involving Ronaldo, who stood marginally offside but was deemed inactive .

On the stroke of halftime, Spain regained the lead. Pedri intercepted a loose pass and fed Oyarzabal, who curled a finish past Diogo Costa—replicating his Euro 2024 final heroics .

Second Half: Ronaldo Rolls Back the Years

Portugal’s equalizer came via their timeless captain. In the 61st minute, Mendes—the game’s standout performer—burned past Yamal and sent a deflected cross toward the six-yard box. Ronaldo, peeling away from Marc Cucurella, volleyed home to ignite Portuguese celebrations 85. Spain faded thereafter, with Yamal contained and midfield dynamo Pedri subbed off .

Extra Time and Penalties: Costa’s Redemption

After 30 scoreless extra-time minutes, the match moved to penalties. Portugal’s first four takers—Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes—were flawless. For Spain, Mikel Merino and Isco converted, but Morata’s weak effort was saved by Costa, handing Ruben Neves the chance to win it. The Al-Hilal midfielder buried his shot, triggering euphoric scenes .

Tactical Takeaways

• Portugal’s Resilience: Coach Martínez’s decision to deploy PSG’s João Neves at right-back paid off, neutralizing Nico Williams early. Midfield enforcer Vitinha’s ball recovery (8 duels won) disrupted Spain’s rhythm .
• Spain’s Fade: Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated the first half with 63% possession but tired after the hour mark. Yamal, though brilliant, was replaced in extra time after double-marking limited his impact 614.
• Generational Duel: Ronaldo (7 shots, 1 goal) and Yamal (3 key passes) embodied their teams’ approaches—Portugal’s clinical efficiency versus Spain’s youthful exuberance 85.

Voices from the Pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal captain):
“Lamine Yamal is extraordinary. Let him grow without pressure—he’ll define football’s future.”

Lamine Yamal (Spain winger):
“Ronaldo is a legend, but my duty was to win. We fell short, but this team will rise again.”

Diogo Costa (Portugal goalkeeper):
“Saving Morata’s penalty? Instinct. This trophy is for our fans, who believed when others didn’t.”

 Historical Context

Portugal’s win marks their first major trophy since Euro 2016, cementing Ronaldo’s legacy as the only player to win four international titles (Euro 2016/24, Nations League 2019/25). Spain, despite the loss, remains Europe’s most consistent side—reaching three consecutive Nations League finals and winning Euro 2024 .

Looking Ahead: World Cup 2026

Both teams will enter 2026 World Cup qualifying as favorites. Portugal’s blend of youth (Conceição, Neves) and experience (Ronaldo, Pepe) signals a seamless transition. Spain’s core—Yamal, Pedri, Gavi—will only mature, making them a formidable force in North America .

 FAQ: Portugal vs. Spain Nations League Final

1. Who scored in the final?
   Portugal: Nuno Mendes (26′), Cristiano Ronaldo (61′). Spain: Martín Zubimendi (21′), Mikel Oyarzabal (45′) .
2. Why was Ronaldo subbed off before penalties?
   Coach Martínez sought fresh legs in extra time, replacing the 40-year-old with Gonçalo Ramos. Ramos scored Portugal’s first penalty .
3. Has any nation won the Nations League twice?
   Yes, Portugal is the first to win it twice (2019, 2025) .
4. How did fans watch the match?
   In the US: FOX, FuboTV, ViX. UK: ITV1. Global streaming via UEFA.tv with VPN options .
5. What’s next for both teams?
   World Cup 2026 qualifiers begin in September, with both teams in strong positions to qualify .