Portugal has once again proven their dominance on the European stage by winning the UEFA Nations League. In a dramatic final played on Sunday night, Portugal edged past Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time.
The game reached a penalty tiebreaker after both teams remained locked at 2-2 even after 120 minutes of intense football. In the shootout, Portugal held their nerve with perfect finishes from Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and Rúben Neves. Spain’s Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, and Isco converted their penalties, but Álvaro Morata missed a crucial shot, handing Portugal the victory.
Spain took the early lead in the 21st minute through Martín Zubimendi, but Portugal equalized just five minutes later when Nuno Mendes found the net. Before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal scored to put Spain ahead 2-1 going into the break. However, Portugal’s captain and veteran star Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 61st minute to bring the match level once again. With no further goals, the match was decided by penalties.
This is Portugal’s second UEFA Nations League title, their first coming in the inaugural edition in 2018-19. Since then, France and Spain have won the title once each. For Ronaldo, this marks his third international trophy with Portugal, adding to his UEFA Euro 2016 and previous Nations League triumph. The FIFA World Cup remains the only major tournament still missing from Portugal’s trophy cabinet.
