Portugal claimed their second UEFA Nations League crown on Sunday night after defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties in a dramatic final that ended 2-2 after extra time.
The Iberian showdown, featuring two former champions of the competition, lived up to its billing with end-to-end action, four goals in regulation time, and a nervy shootout in which Portugal held their nerve.
Spain struck first after a bright start from Portugal, who had missed a gilt-edged early chance through Joao Neves.
It was Martin Zubimendi who opened the scoring for La Roja, capitalising on a partial clearance from Lamine Yamal’s cross to tap home from close range.
Portugal responded almost instantly. Fresh off a Champions League win with PSG, Nuno Mendes burst into the box and rifled a shot into the far corner to restore parity.
As the half progressed, the tempo resembled a basketball game. Just before the interval, Pedri’s clever pass set up Mikel Oyarzabal, who swept in Spain’s second goal to hand them a slender lead going into the break.
Portugal thought they had equalised early in the second half through Bruno Fernandes, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
They continued to press, and eventually it was Cristiano Ronaldo who brought them level again, reacting quickest to steer in a deflected cross from Mendes.
The final stages of regular time saw Spain push for a winner, with Isco coming closest, only to be denied by a superb save from Diogo Costa.
Extra time passed with little incident as both sides made changes and played cautiously, seemingly preparing for penalties.
In the shootout, Spain blinked first when Alvaro Morata missed their fourth kick. Portugal remained flawless, and it was Ruben Neves who stepped up to convert the final penalty and seal the title.
With the victory, Portugal become the first nation to win the Nations League twice, following their 2019 success.
