Portugal Edge Spain in Dramatic UEFA Nations League Final
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Final Score: Portugal 2–2 Spain (Portugal win 5–3 on penalties)
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Attendance: 65,852
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First Half – Spain Take Early Control, Portugal Respond
Spain started the brighter of the two teams, pressing high and dictating possession. Their early dominance paid off in the 21st minute when Martín Zubimendi pounced on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past Diogo Costa to give Spain a 1–0 lead.
Portugal didn’t take long to hit back. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes made a bursting run down the left flank and finished a quick one-two with Cristiano Ronaldo, rifling a shot into the top corner to bring the score level at 1–1.
Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead. A precise through ball from Pedri found Oyarzabal in stride, and the winger made no mistake, finishing past the keeper to make it 2–1 heading into the break.
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Second Half – Ronaldo’s Moment of Magic
In the 61st minute, Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, rolled back the years. Positioned at the edge of the box, he connected perfectly on a volley after a headed pass from João Félix, blasting it into the bottom corner for his 138th international goal.
The goal not only tied the match but energized Portugal. They took control in midfield through Bernardo Silva and João Palhinha, while Spain struggled to regain rhythm.
Ronaldo’s night ended with emotion as he was forced off late in regular time due to injury. Clearly affected, he left the pitch in tears, receiving a standing ovation from both sets of fans in what might be his final international final.
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Extra Time – No Breakthrough, Penalties Loom
Despite chances for both teams—Goncalo Ramos hit the post and Lamine Yamal forced a smart save from Diogo Costa—neither side could break the deadlock in extra time.
Defenders on both teams held firm, with Rúben Dias and Veiga leading their respective backlines. The match headed to penalties, where Portugal had the psychological advantage of past shootout success.
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Penalty Shootout – Costa the Hero Again
Spain's Álvaro Morata saw his penalty saved by Diogo Costa, giving Portugal the edge.
All five of Portugal’s penalty takers, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and final kicker Rúben Neves, converted their spot kicks with composure.
The shootout ended 5–3 in Portugal’s favor, triggering wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
This was Portugal’s second UEFA Nations League title, making them the first nation to win the competition twiceafter their 2019 triumph.
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Final Thoughts
Portugal’s ability to dig deep and deliver in big moments proved decisive. From Ronaldo’s record-setting strike to Diogo Costa’s penalty heroics, it was a night filled with drama, intensity, and emotion. Spain may take heart in their progression and talent pool, but Portugal once again stood tallest when it mattered most.
Key Stats:
Shots: Portugal 11 – 13 Spain
Possession: Portugal 42% – 58% Spain
Pass Accuracy: Portugal 85% – 91% Spain
Saves: Costa (Portugal) – 5, Simón (Spain) – 3
Man of the Match: Nuno Mendes