Munich, Germany – June 8, 2025 – In a pulsating encounter at the Allianz Arena yesterday, Portugal emerged victorious over fierce rivals Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, securing their second title in the competition’s brief history and becoming the first nation to achieve this remarkable feat. The match, which ended 2-2 after extra time, was ultimately decided by a tense penalty shootout, with Portugal holding their nerve to win 5-3.
The Iberian derby lived up to its billing, offering a captivating spectacle of end-to-end action and high-quality football. Spain, vying for their first Nations League crown, opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi. However, Portugal quickly responded with Nuno Mendes leveling the score just five minutes later. Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead just before halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
As the second half unfolded, the experienced head of Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive for the Seleção. In the 61st minute, the iconic forward netted a crucial equalizer, bringing Portugal back into the game and scoring his 138th international goal in his 219th appearance – both new records for the Portuguese maestro. This monumental strike further cemented Ronaldo’s legendary status in international football, even at 40 years old.
Despite Ronaldo’s heroics, who was later substituted due to a suspected muscle issue, neither side could find a winner in regular or extra time. The match then proceeded to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa became the hero, making a vital save from Álvaro Morata’s spot-kick, paving the way for Ruben Neves to calmly dispatch the winning penalty and send the Portuguese faithful into raptures.
The victory marks Portugal’s third major international trophy, adding to their UEFA Euro 2016 triumph and their inaugural Nations League title in 2019. The emotional celebrations from the Portuguese squad, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo who was seen shedding tears of joy from the sidelines, underscored the significance of this historic achievement. It was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the enduring influence of one of football’s greatest ever players. Portugal has truly carved out a new chapter in European football history.
