The 2025 UEFA Nations League is reaching its climax, with Portugal and Spain set to battle it out in the final at Munich's Allianz Arena on June 8, 2025. This Iberian derby promises to be a thrilling encounter, pitting two of Europe's top teams against each other for the coveted trophy. Both nations are familiar with the territory, having previously won the competition; Portugal were the inaugural champions in 2019, and Spain are the current titleholders, winning in 2023. This final offers both teams a chance to make history by becoming the first to win the Nations League twice.

Spain enters the final as slight favorites, with many bookmakers listing them at 9/10 to win in 90 minutes. This reflects their recent form and pedigree in the competition. La Roja have reached their third consecutive Nations League final and are currently enjoying a 12-match unbeaten streak in the tournament (8 wins, 4 draws). Their semi-final victory was a thrilling 5-4 win against France, showcasing their attacking capabilities led by young talents like Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Nico Williams. Historically, Spain has also dominated Portugal in competitive head-to-head matches.

Portugal, however, cannot be underestimated. They defeated host nation Germany 2-1 in their semi-final clash, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the decisive goal. Despite being 40 years old, Ronaldo remains a key player for Portugal, and his experience and goal-scoring ability could be crucial in the final. Portugal's squad also boasts a wealth of talent, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias, making them a formidable opponent for any team.

This match marks the 41st encounter between Portugal and Spain, with Spain holding the upper hand with 18 wins, 16 draws, and only 6 victories for Portugal. The last time Portugal beat Spain in a competitive match was at Euro 2004 in Lisbon.

Adding extra intrigue to the final is the generational clash between Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain's Lamine Yamal. Ronaldo, at the twilight of his career, brings a wealth of experience and a relentless desire to win, while Yamal, a rising star at just 17 years old, has already made a significant impact on the tournament with his skill and goal-scoring prowess.

The UEFA Nations League, introduced in 2018, has provided a platform for more competitive international matches, replacing the often meaningless friendlies. For both Portugal and Spain, this final is not only about winning a trophy but also about gaining momentum and experience ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is expected to be a high-quality affair, with both teams possessing strong attacking and defensive capabilities.