Three Things to Watch for in the UEFA Nations League Final
The Final for the UEFA Nations League 2025 is set as Portugal came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday and Spain held on to beat France 5-4 earlier today. The final will be played on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. EST in Munich. The neighboring nations are trying to become the first country to win the Nations League twice as Portugal took the title in 2019 and Spain lifted the trophy in 2023. Portugal has two wins, three losses, and five draws against Spain with each team scoring nine goals in the last ten matches. Portugal hasn't beaten their eastern neighbors since 2010. There will be plenty of matchups and storylines to watch when these teams meet on Sunday, here are three to focus on.
Lamine Yamal and Nuno Mendes
The most fascinating one-on-one battle will take place on Spain’s right and Portugal’s left flank. Portugal’s left-back Nuno Mendes has been arguably the best at his position this year. His task on Sunday will be to defend Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who is also at the top of his game. Mendes is a great defender, having passed tests against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka during PSG’s title run in the Champions League. Yamal has also acknowledged Mendes as one of the best defenders he’s seen. Yamal, one of the most important players in Spain’s attack, scored twice and drew a penalty kick against France. The young star is capable of producing magic, shooting, dribbling, or passing at any moment. He’s made a strong case for the Ballon d'Or, and a win on Sunday could help his case. Spain will also have to worry about Mendes when Portugal has possession, as he can cross the ball with great accuracy and has game-breaking speed. His game-winning assist against Germany was the perfect example of how dangerous he is in the attack and why Spain should be wary. This battle between the two young stars could be pivotal in determining who lifts the trophy on Sunday.
The Battle for Midfield Control
Both Portugal and Spain employ an unbelievable list of talented midfielders. Portugal’s Vitinha only played about half an hour on Wednesday, but his steadiness on the ball changed the game as he and Spain’s Pedri have been the two best midfielders in the world this year. Bruno Fernandes is quietly coming off a solid year, and Bernardo Silva remains crafty and capable. João Neves, traditionally a midfielder, started at right-back against Germany but often joined the midfield when Portugal had the ball. The four players who could all reasonably start on Sunday are elite on the ball and could help Portugal dictate the pace, similar to how they did in the second half against Germany.
Spain can deploy any combination of Pedri, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Isco, Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Fabián Ruiz. Additionally, their striker Mikel Oyarzabal can drop deep as a false nine to help the midfield. Whatever lineup Luis de la Fuente chooses will be more than capable of controlling the game with their passing and pressing. Both teams boast an incredible midfield as the battle for control in the final will certainly be one to watch.
What Impact Will Cristiano Ronaldo Have?
Cristiano Ronaldo is gunning for his third major trophy with Portugal as he will likely start as a striker on Sunday. Even at his age, he’s still capable of playing 90 or 120 minutes. He went scoreless in the five Euro matches last summer but has since scored seven times in his last eight games for Portugal, including the winner on Wednesday. It’ll be important that Portugal uses him as an asset and not their focal point for two main reasons. One, playing through him constantly can tire him, which could prove consequential in the big moments late in the match. Two, the Portugal squad is good enough to not require a superhuman performance from their captain to win. Make no mistake, we know Ronaldo is still more capable of finishing, winning headers, and making runs behind the defense. However, we don’t know if he’s capable of putting his country on his back like he used to. With his career waning, this will be one of his final chances with Portugal to take home silverware. If he stars in his role and allows his brilliant squad to flourish, he could very well hoist Portugal’s second Nations League trophy.
