By John Moses
Portugal have been crowned UEFA Nations League champions for a second time following a dramatic 5–3 penalty shootout victory over Spain in a pulsating final at the Allianz Arena.
The Iberian showdown delivered on all fronts, with momentum swinging both ways in a closely contested encounter that ended 2–2 after 90 minutes. With no goals in extra time, it all came down to penalties, where Portugal held their nerve to edge past their neighbours.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored a crucial equaliser in the second half, was substituted before the shootout but was visibly moved as he watched from the bench. The 39-year-old was seen shedding tears of joy as Rúben Neves scored the decisive penalty following a vital save from goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who denied Álvaro Morata with a strong left-handed stop.
Spain had opened the scoring midway through the first half, as Martín Zubimendi took advantage of a lapse at the back to slot home. Portugal replied swiftly through Nuno Mendes, who fired in low from the edge of the box. Spain reclaimed the lead before the break, thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal, only for Ronaldo to respond yet again with a smart volley inside the six-yard box.
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match was decided from the spot. Portugal were flawless with their penalties, with Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and Neves all converting. Costa’s crucial intervention against Morata proved decisive.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, France dispatched Germany 2–0 in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappé’s late assist for Michael Olise sealed the win, handing the French another medal in this competition and piling pressure on the German side following consecutive defeats.
Portugal’s victory reaffirms their standing among Europe’s elite and adds another major honour to an era already decorated with international success. Spain, meanwhile, are left to reflect on what might have been, having fallen short in their title defence.
