Portugal Reign Again After Penalty Drama Against Spain

Portugal made history in Munich, becoming the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice after a dramatic victory over fierce Iberian rivals Spain. It took 120 minutes, four goals, and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout for Roberto Martinez’s side to etch their name onto the trophy once again and they did it the hard way.

In what was a thrilling, fiercely-contested final at the Allianz Arena, Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi after just 21 minutes, capping off a sharp counter-attack with a composed finish. The Furia Roja, ranked second in the world by FIFA, showcased their trademark possession game and high pressing, and it seemed Portugal might be in for a long evening.

But Portugal, resilient as ever, answered back just five minutes later. Nuno Mendes the dynamic full-back and Champions League winner drove into the Spanish penalty area and fired a low shot beyond Unai Simon to level the match. His energy on the left flank was a constant threat, and he would play a crucial role throughout the night.

Spain restored their lead just before half-time when Pedri, making amends for an earlier miss, threaded a precise ball through to Mikel Oyarzabal. The Real Sociedad forward made no mistake, calmly rolling his finish under Diogo Costa to give Spain a 2-1 advantage at the break.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, reminded the world of his enduring class. In the 61st minute, Mendes again wreaked havoc on the wing, and though his cross took a slight deflection, it found Ronaldo at the far post. The Portuguese captain volleyed home from close range for 2-2, his 131st international goal, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling fans.

From there, the game tightened. Both sides had half-chances, the best of which fell to Spain’s Pedro Porro, whose audacious long-range attempt nearly caught Costa off his line in extra-time. Portugal might have had a penalty when Mendes was clipped in the area by Alex Baena, but the referee waved play on after a VAR check.

And so, for the first time since Euro 2012, an Iberian derby headed to a penalty shootout.

The pressure was immense. Ramos, Vitinha, Fernandes, Mendes, and Neves were flawless for Portugal, all dispatching their penalties with clinical precision. Spain stayed in it through Merino, Baena, and Isco, but Álvaro Morata saw his tame effort saved by Diogo Costa a moment that proved decisive.

Ruben Neves stepped up to take Portugal’s fifth and final penalty. A Nations League title was on the line. The midfielder’s strike was emphatic, drilled into the bottom corner beyond Simon’s reach. Portugal were champions again.

For Spain, it’s a second Nations League final defeat after their 2021 loss to France. For Portugal, it’s a reaffirmation of their rise as one of Europe’s most consistent international sides over the last decade.

Cristiano Ronaldo might be nearing the twilight of his career, but in Munich, he once again showed he can still decide big games. And as for Nuno Mendes the future of Portuguese football looks to be in very safe hands.

Final score (after penalties): Portugal 2 (5) – (3) 2 Spain.
A classic Iberian contest that lived up to its billing.