Portugal emerged victorious in a thrilling UEFA Nations League final against Spain, securing the crown after a tense penalty shootout. The match, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, ended 2-2 after extra time, with Portugal ultimately triumphing 5-3 on penalties to claim their second Nations League title.
The game was a captivating affair from the start, with both sides displaying attacking intent. Spain drew first blood in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi tapped in a cross from Lamine Yamal. Portugal responded swiftly, with Nuno Mendes rifling home an equalizer just five minutes later after a good run. However, Spain regained the lead on the stroke of halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal guiding a Pedri through-ball into the net.
The second half saw Portugal come out with renewed vigor. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, found the net in the 61st minute, volleying home a deflected cross from Mendes to level the scores. The goal marked Ronaldo's 138th international goal.
With the score tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the game went into extra time. Both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal. Diogo Jota had a late header for Portugal that went just over the bar, but ultimately the match went to penalties to decide the winner.
In the penalty shootout, Portugal held their nerve, converting all five of their spot-kicks. Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all scored. Spain, however, faltered when Alvaro Morata saw his penalty saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. RĂºben Neves then stepped up and coolly slotted home the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese players and fans.
Portugal's victory marked their second Nations League title, making them the first team to win the competition twice. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being substituted off late in the game due to injury, was a central figure in the victory, leading the line and scoring a crucial goal. Nuno Mendes was also outstanding, scoring a goal and providing the assist for Ronaldo's equalizer. Diogo Costa's penalty save proved to be the difference in the shootout.
For Spain, it was a disappointing end to a promising campaign. They had taken the lead twice in the match, but were unable to hold on. Alvaro Morata's penalty miss proved costly, denying Spain their second Nations League title.