Portugal Edges Spain on Penalties to Win Nations League

Shilpa Rajan June 25, 2025

Portugal became the most successful team in the UEFA Nations League after winning it for the second time in seven years. Cristiano Ronaldo and his men defeated the European champions on penalties to win their third international title in 10 years.

Spain were coming after a 5-4 thriller against France in the previous round. Portugal, on the other hand, eliminated the hosts, Germany, in the last four. Spain were playing in their third UEFA Nations League final. They were the holders and had a 50% success rate in the last two finals.

Spain takes early advantage

The match saw some of the best players taking to the field in Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo led the Portuguese side against the young talents from Spain. It was Martin Zubimendi who gave the Spanish side an early lead. Spain were 1-0 ahead in the 21^st minute but were unable to hold on to their lead.

Nuno Mendes, who had an excellent 2024-25 season, brought his team back into the game. Pedro Neto created the chance for his teammate, and he slotted the ball past Unai Simón. The team was heading into the break with a 1-1 draw, but Spain had some other plans. Pedri showed his class by creating a goal for Mikel Oyarzabal in the 45^th minute. The Real Sociedad’s forward gave his side a big lead heading into the break.

Ronaldo scored to take the game into extra time

Cristiano Ronaldo was having a quiet match according to his standards. His first shot came in the 61st minute. The ball was delivered by Mendes, but there was a deflection that helped Ronaldo. He slotted the ball past Simon, and the scores were level. Ronaldo was taken off in the 88^th minute, and the match went into a tiebreaker.

Morata misses in the shootout

After a goalless draw in extra time, the match went into a penalty shootout. Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Bruno scored the first three penalties. Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, and Isco levelled by scoring their respective penalties. Nuno Mendes scored to take it 4-3. Alvaro Morata’s penalty was saved, and Ruben Neves slotted the ball past Simon to win the match for Portugal. Nuno Mendes was named the man of the match.

Portugal Star Continues to Shine with 33-Goal Season

Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for 1000 goals is on the right track. The 40-year-old maestro scored his 938^th goal of his elite career. Ronaldo scored 33 goals for Al Nassr in the 2024-25 season. He looks in his best shape despite being 40 years old. The Portugal captain scored against Germany in the previous match and added another in this match. This was his eighth goal in the 2024-25 Nations League.

Ronaldo is in contract with Al Nassr until the end of this month. It is unclear whether the Saudi club will offer him a new contract. However, looking at the stats of the 2024-25 season and Ronaldo’s form, other teams will look at the situation of the forward. He is 62 goals away from four figures, and two good seasons will easily take him to one of his goals.