Portugal triumphed over long-standing rivals Spain, winning 5-3 on penalties to claim their second UEFA Nations League title in Munich on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
The dramatic final saw Portugal come from behind twice during regulation time before forcing a shootout, where they held their nerve to seal the victory.
Portugal’s forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who played a vital role in the comeback, “kissed the trophy” after the thrilling encounter.
The match also marked Roberto Martinez’s first international trophy as Portugal’s manager.
The game began with Spain taking the lead through Zubimendi after a scrappy sequence caused by a failed Portuguese clearance.
The goal came after “Yamal chipped from outside the box and the Portugal defence froze”, creating an opportunity that Zubimendi finished with authority.
However, Portugal responded swiftly. “Mendes, put through by Pedro Neto, drilled a low shot across the goal and in,” bringing the scoreline level.”
“But Spain regained the lead before halftime after “Pedri linked with Oyarzabal, who threaded the ball past Diogo Costa.”
Mikel Oyarzabal, already a proven big-game performer, added to his impressive record.
“Oyarzabal’s goal meant he has scored in three international finals, against England at Euro 2024, which Spain won, and the 2023 and 2025 Nations Leagues, which Spain lost.”
Ronaldo, who had been relatively quiet up to that point, made his impact felt in the 61st minute.
“With 61 minutes gone, Mendes shed a defender and whipped in a cross. The ball took a deflection and Ronaldo outmuscled Cucurella before lashing a volley home.”
The goal marked his fourth in 10 matches against Spain, with the previous three all coming in the famous 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup.
Soon after, the Portugal captain limped off the pitch, suffering from cramp.
“Limping in the dying stages of regulation time, Ronaldo fell to the turf with three minutes left and signalled to the bench that his night was over.”
Despite having the better chances in extra time, Portugal couldn’t find a winner, and the game went to penalties.
Both teams were clinical early on, converting their first three kicks. Then came the turning point.
“Mendes buried Portugal’s fourth, before Morata stepped up and shot straight at Diogo Costa.”
That miss gave Portugal the edge, and “Neves nervelessly converted in front of the red and green of the Portugal fans.”
The moment secured Portugal’s first competitive win over Spain since Euro 2004, and only their second ever.
“Portugal became the first two-time winner of the Nations League, launched in 2018. It was Portugal’s third major title, along with Euro 2016.”
As the final whistle blew, players and fans erupted in celebration.
“Portugal’s players including Portugal’s midfielder #13 Renato Veiga celebrate after midfielder #18 Ruben Neves scored the winning penalty.”
Meanwhile, Spain’s players watched on in disappointment. “Spain team players react after losing the UEFA Nations League final football match.”
Although Spain had gone into the shootout with confidence after their 2023 win on penalties, Portugal were flawless this time.
“Portugal were faultless, Neves stepping up and converting to send his teammates, including a hobbled Ronaldo, streaming onto the pitch.”
It was a night to remember for Roberto Martinez and his players, one that saw Portugal rise once again to the top of European football.
