Cristiano Ronaldo’s 138th international goal took the final to a shootout in Munich
MUNICH: Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome with emotion as Portugal won the Nations League title after a tense penalty shootout against Spain.
The match ended 2–2 after extra time, with Ronaldo scoring a key goal before Portugal held their nerve to win 5–3 on penalties.
Ronaldo’s 138th international goal took the final to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata’s miss proving costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain.
Spain’s exhilarating 5–4 victory over France in Thursday’s semi-final had ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side continued an unbeaten run stretching back to March 2023 ahead of Sunday’s showpiece final in Munich.
They looked on course for another trophy, following last year’s European Championship triumph, when Martín Zubimendi tapped in his second international goal in the 21st minute.
The holders’ lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build-up.
A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal – who had scored the winner against England in last year’s European Championship final – restore Spain’s lead before the break.
The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new – 40-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
While Yamal, a favourite to win one of football’s most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark.
Ronaldo went off injured late on, and neither side could find a winner in extra time. The match went to a shootout, with Portugal converting all five penalties to lift the trophy.
