PIX: Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win Nations League

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Last updated on: June 09, 2025 05:29 IST

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Images from the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo hoists the trophy as he celebrates with his Portugal teammates after beating Spain in the Nations League final at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, on Sunday.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo hoists the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after Portugal defeat Spain in the Nations League final at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, on Sunday. Photograph: Angelika Warmuth/Reuters

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as he led his country to their second Nations League title by beating holders Spain 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time in Sunday's showpiece match.

Ronaldo's 138th international goal took the final to a shoot-out, in which Alvaro Morata's miss proved costly for Spain, as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, emotion overwhelming the veteran captain.

 

"Winning for Portugal is always special," Ronaldo told Sport TV. "I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.

"It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy."

Portugal's players celebrate after Ruben Neves scores the decisive spot-kick in the tie-breaker of the Nations League final against Spain in Munich on Sunday.

IMAGE: Portugal's players celebrate after Ruben Neves scores the decisive spot-kick in the tie-breaker. Photograph: Michaela Stache/Reuters

Earlier, Kylian Mbappé led France to third place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.

The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other for Michael Olise as France recovered from a lethargic first half.

Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday's semi-final ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday's showpiece final in Munich.

Martin Zubimendi puts Spain ahead in the match.

IMAGE: Martin Zubimendi puts Spain ahead in the match. Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters

They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year's European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute.

The holders’ lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up.

A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year's European Championship final, restore Spain’s lead before the break.

Nuno Mendes scores Portugal's first goal.

IMAGE: Nuno Mendes scores Portugal's first goal. Photograph: Michaela Stache/Reuters

The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new -- 40-year-old and five-times Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark.

Mikel Oyarzabal scores Spain's second goal.

IMAGE: Mikel Oyarzabal make it 2-1 for Spain. Photograph: Angelika Warmuth/Reuters

Ronaldo, who scored his eighth in goal nine UEFA Nations League games in this campaign, went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra-time, with the game going to a shoot-out and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends the ball past Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon for Portugal's second goal.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo sends the ball past Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon for Portugal's second goal. Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters

"Details do make the difference, and that was a game which I think was super balanced but when we were coming to the end of the extra time I thought we were doing enough to avoid going to penalties," Spain coach De La Fuente said.

"Sadly, that’s what decided the match and they, on the night, were just slightly better and more effective in the shoot-out."

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Portugal's second goal and making it 2-2.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Portugal's second goal and making it 2-2. Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters

In the tie-breaker, Goncalo Ramos scored first to put Portugal ahead. Merino levelled for Spain (1-1); Vitinha converted (2-1) and Baena made it 2-2 for Spain.

Bruno Fernandes scored (3-2) before Isco just about found the net as goalkeeper Costa got his hand to the ball but couldn't stop it (3-3).

Mendes then sent the ball into the side netting to give Portugal a 4-3 lead.

Costa then denied Morata and Neves scored for Portugal (5-3) to clinch the issue.

Nuno Mendes was adjudged 'Player of the Tournament'.

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