Tears for Spain, Triumph for Ronaldo: Portugal Wins on Penalties
The Nations League delivered another final that fans won’t forget. In a game where a lot was going on, from a new title for Cristiano Ronaldo's all-powerful and always-candidate Portugal to proof that Lamine Yamal's Spain was unbeatable with the young talent on the pitch. Spain started strong, like a team that knows the trophy’s path, scoring first through Martin Zubimendi and then Mikel Oyarzabal. Portugal, however, had a trick up their sleeve: Cristiano Ronaldo's grit and know-how. He tied the game, forcing extra time, and giving everything he had. In the end, penalties decided it. Portugal nailed all five shots, while Spain’s Alvaro Morata fell short against Diogo Costa’s heroics.
The match kicked off with bold moves from both coaches. Luis de la Fuente brought back Fabián Ruiz and picked Oscar Mingueza in defense, while Roberto Martínez trusted young João Neves, who struggled against Nico Williams. Nico tore through Portugal’s backline with lightning-fast runs and dangerous crosses, setting pulses racing. Zubimendi’s goal came from a sharp Lamine Yamal pass, smashed home with power. Portugal answered quickly: Nuno Mendes, the game’s standout, ripped past defenders and scored a stunner to level things.
Spain retook the lead before halftime, thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal, a player built for big moments. The second half brought a shift. Portugal tweaked their setup, and Ronaldo struck when it mattered most. A Nuno Mendes cross, a slight deflection, and Ronaldo’s 138th international goal tied it at the far post. From there, tension gripped the stadium, every pass and tackle loaded with pressure as both teams pushed for a winner.
Extra time tested tired legs and frayed nerves, with tempers flaring and fans on edge. Lamine Yamal, nicknamed “the kid” by Ronaldo just the day before, left the field, while Isco Alarcon nearly stole the show with a long-range shot that forced a stunning save from Diogo Costa. The Porto keeper became Portugal’s quiet hero. In the shootout, Portugal’s Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Mendes, and Rúben Neves stayed ice-cold. Morata’s miss against Costa crushed Spain’s hopes. Munich erupts as Portugal’s triumph signals their hunger for more titles.
