Portugal Edge Out Spain in Thrilling Nations League Final via Penalties
By Andrew Haruna
Published: June 9, 2025 | Allianz Arena, Munich
In what will go down as one of the most dramatic Nations League finals in history, Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties after a gripping 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena on Sunday night.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain in the 21st minute, but Nuno Mendes quickly responded with a powerful equaliser just five minutes later. As half-time approached, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the talisman, who brought Portugal level once again. The 40-year-old superstar volleyed in his 138th international goal in the 61st minute, sending the ball sailing into the far corner with a first-time finish.
Ronaldo’s night ended prematurely after suffering a minor injury, leading to his substitution for Goncalo Ramos late in the second half.
Both teams pushed for a winner in extra time, but defences held strong, sending the game into a nail-biting penalty shootout—the second straight Nations League final to be decided this way.
This time, however, Spain’s fate reversed from 2023. While they had triumphed over Croatia then, Alvaro Morata’s miss from the spot — saved brilliantly by Diogo Costa — proved costly.
Ruben Neves stepped up to seal the victory for Portugal, burying his shot into the bottom left corner and sparking emotional celebrations. On the sidelines, Ronaldo fell to his knees in tears, overwhelmed by the historic moment.
This win makes Portugal the first nation to win the Nations League twice, having previously lifted the inaugural trophy in 2019. Ronaldo, meanwhile, becomes the only player in Portugal’s history to win the European Championship (2016) and two Nations League titles.
Spain, on the other hand, made history of a different kind — becoming the first country to lose two Nations League finals, having previously fallen to France in 2021.
For Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martinez, the win is personal. Born in Catalonia, the former Everton and Belgium boss finally gets his first international trophy, having suffered heartbreak at Euro 2024 when Portugal crashed out to France on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said:
“You know how old I am already, obviously I’m closer to the end than the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going.”
On his injury, he added:
“I felt it since the warm-up, but for Portugal, even if I had to break my leg, I would do it. It’s a title — I had to play and I gave everything.”
