Match Report: Portugal vs Spain – Nations League Final

Image Source: Official Instagram accounts of Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco Alarcon 

Portugal clinched their second Nations League title following their victory over Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Roberto Martinez’s team beat the opponents 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in the final. Portugal became the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice following the victory over Iberian neighbours. The match also became the highest-scoring UEFA Nations League final. Their previous encounter was played in the same tournament where Spain edged out a 1-0 win in 2022.    

Portugal vs Spain Match Report 

Spain took over the lead at 21’ when Zubimendi scored his second international goal after he lashed the ball inside the open net. However, the celebration didn't last long when Nuno Mendes came up with an equaliser following a pass from Neto. It was his first international goal with a stunning grounded shot. The goal was checked for a potential offside by VAR but was later given. 

Spain scored their second goal of the match and gave La Roja the lead again just ahead of halftime. Oyarzabal, without a mistake, converted Pedri’s pass into a goal at 45’. The goal went through a VAR check after Portugal claimed a foul over Bernardo Silva. However, the claim was denied, and Spain led 2-1 at halftime. 

Entering into the second half, Portugal had a chance to equalise when Fernandez found the net with a brilliant finish before the offside flag went up at 49’. Martinez’s team managed to put pressure on the Spanish side as the team kept the ball in and around the penalty area of Spain. Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s side managed to keep a very controlled backline which made it hard for the opponent’s forwards to act. 

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo tried to hold the ball and pass it to the wide players; however, the Spaniards’ press made it tough for the five-time Ballon d’Or player. Not for long, though, as the Portuguese captain netted from close distance at 61 to give his side an equaliser. Mendes’ went for a low cross, and it got deflected before Ronaldo lashed the ball into the net to score his 138th international goal. The former Real Madrid star was substituted at 88’ when Goncalo Ramos replaced him. 

Two minutes were given at the end of the second half before the referee blew the full-time whistle and the score was levelled at 2-2 at the regulation time. Portugal began the extra time with a chance to score when Mendes sent a stunning low cross but failed to convert it from long distance. The first half of the extra time was given an extra minute before it ended with 2-2. In the second half, Portugal again had a chance to lead when Ruben Dias swung a cross inside the Spain box; however, Portuguese forward Jota couldn't keep his header on target at 120’. 

Penalties 

The match went for the penalties after both teams failed to score in the extra time. Goncalo Ramos scored for Portugal before Mikel Merino scored an equaliser for the Spanish side. Vitinha gave his side a lead before Álex Baena netted on target to bring Spain back on level. Later, Fernandez converted to give Portugal a lead before Isco found the net past Diego Costa to make it 3-3. Mendes came forward and shot a stunning penalty to score from the side to make it 4-3. Later, Spain failed to equalise after Alvaro Morata’s penalty was saved by Costa to give the opponents an advantage. Ruben Neves converted the last one to make it 5-3 and give Portugal their second Nations League title and Ronaldo his third international trophy.  

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