Portugal outplayed Spain 5-3 on penalties to get their second UEFA Nations League title, after a thrilling 2-2 draw that went into extra time and was a final more than the billing had promised.
The 2019 champions launched their play rapidly under Spanish-born coach Roberto Martinez, where Joao Neves missed an early chance. Spain came back with fury and Martin Zubimendi was able to exploit a mess in the Portuguese defense after Lamine Yamal’s cross and opened the scoring.
Nuno Mendes equalized in no time with a rocket of a shot, but Spain came back again before the break as Mikel Oyarzabal scored after Pedri’s brilliant pass. Portugal believed that they had scored through Bruno Fernandes, but the goal was ruled offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo got the goal that tied the match, decisively tapping in a deflected Mendes cross that sent the game to extra time. Both sides created chances, the most notable one being Diogo Costa’s great save to deny Isco, but the sides still remained level at the end of the added time.
Spain were the first to falter in the shootout when Álvaro Morata missed and this proved to be the difference later on. Ruben Neves converting the winning penalty make it very clear who the winner was.
Portugal now become the first nation that has won the Nations League twice, while Ronaldo may have crowned his final international tournament with a triumph.
