Portugal lifted just the third major trophy in their footballing history after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
The highly anticipated clash between the two Iberian giants lived up to its billing, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again proving decisive on the biggest stage.
Spain started strongly, dominating early possession and opening the scoring through Martín Zubimendi’s close-range finish.
But Portugal quickly responded, with Nuno Mendes rifling in his first-ever international goal—a thunderous effort that stunned the Spanish backline and brought Portugal level.
Just before halftime, Spain reclaimed the lead thanks to a blistering counter-attack led by Pedri.
The Barcelona midfielder surged forward and slipped the ball to Mikel Oyarzabal, who coolly slotted home in his second consecutive Nations League final goal.
Portugal, undeterred, came out fighting in the second half. At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo showed once again why he remains one of the game’s greatest.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner volleyed in the equalizer in the 61st minute—his 938th career goal—forcing the game into extra time after a tense, goalless remainder of regular play.
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match went to penalties. Portugal converted their first four spot-kicks, while Álvaro Morata’s attempt was dramatically saved by Diogo Costa.
Rúben Neves stepped up to seal the victory, slotting home to deliver Portugal their second UEFA Nations League title.
Much of the pre-match spotlight was on the battle between veteran icon Ronaldo and Spanish teen sensation Lamine Yamal.
While Yamal showed flashes of skill, he was largely kept quiet by Mendes, losing a match-high 10 duels.
