Portugal became the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain, following a pulsating 2-2 draw in the final at Munich Football Arena.
The final lived up to the high standards set by both teams in their thrilling semi-final victories.
Portugal nearly struck first through João Neves, while Spain’s Pedri and Nico Williams kept Diogo Costa busy in a lively opening spell.
The breakthrough came for Spain when Martin Zubimendi tapped in after a dangerous Lamine Yamal cross was not cleared by the Portuguese defense.
Yamal, who had been tightly marked by Nuno Mendes, saw the Portugal full-back respond with a moment of brilliance.
Mendes surged forward, collected Pedro Neto’s pass, and fired a powerful shot across Unai Simón to level the score with his first international goal.
Spain regained the lead just before half-time, with Pedri orchestrating a swift attack and threading a perfect pass for Mikel Oyarzabal, who calmly finished past Costa.
After the break, Portugal’s substitutions paid off. Rúben Neves and Nélson Semedo added stability, and Cristiano Ronaldo—scoring his eighth goal of the tournament—equalized with a close-range volley after a deflected cross from Mendes.
Despite Ronaldo’s late injury and both sides creating chances in extra time—most notably Diogo Jota’s header for Portugal—the match went to penalties.
The first seven spot kicks were converted before Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s effort, setting up Rúben Neves to fire home the decisive penalty and secure Portugal’s record-breaking triumph.
By Samson Jura
