The UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on June 8, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, was a thrilling encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a crucial equalizer to send the game into extra time. The match was billed as a clash of generations, pitting the seasoned veteran Ronaldo against the rising Spanish star Lamine Yamal.
Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi, but Portugal responded swiftly with an equalizer from Nuno Mendes in the 26th minute. Mendes's goal, his first international goal, was a left-footed shot that found the bottom right corner of the net after he received a pass from Neto. Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain's lead, capitalizing on a through ball from Pedri to slot the ball past the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Portugal thought they had equalized shortly after the restart, but Bruno Fernandes's strike was ruled offside. However, in the 61st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark on the game. A deflected pass off Spain's Robin Le Normand bounced high, and Ronaldo reacted quickly, separating himself from Marc Cucurella to fire a shot into the net. This was Ronaldo's 138th international goal, further extending his record as the highest scorer in international football. The goal not only leveled the score but also injected renewed energy into the Portuguese side.
The match was intense, with both teams displaying attacking intent and creating several scoring opportunities. Yamal was a constant threat to the Portuguese defense. However, the spotlight remained firmly on Ronaldo, who, even at 40 years old, proved his enduring quality and importance to the Portuguese national team.
Despite Ronaldo's equalizer, he was substituted in the 88th minute, with Goncalo Ramos replacing him. The captain's armband was then passed on to Bruno Fernandes. The game went into extra time, with both teams pushing for a winning goal. However, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the match remained tied at 2-2 after 120 minutes.
