Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Final Score: Spain 2–2 Portugal (Portugal win 4–2 on penalties)
Date: June 8, 2025
Portugal reclaimed the UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion, defeating Spain 4–2 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw in the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The 2019 champions showed resilience, twice coming from behind during normal time before prevailing in the shootout.
First Half: Zubimendi Breaks Through, Ronaldo Responds
Spain struck first in the 16th minute through Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who latched onto a cutback from Dani Olmo and fired low past Diogo Costa. The early goal set the tempo, with Spain dominating possession but facing a determined Portugal side.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his final Nations League appearance, equalised for Portugal in the 34th minute. The veteran forward showed his trademark composure, slotting home a rebound after Unai Simón had parried a João Félix effort.
Second Half: Oyarzabal Strikes, Mendes Levels Again
Spain regained the lead just past the hour mark through Mikel Oyarzabal, who finished a slick move involving Pedri and Ferran Torres, curling his effort beyond Costa to make it 2–1.
But Portugal refused to lie down. In the 78th minute, Nuno Mendes powered a header into the net from a Bernardo Silva cross, drawing the sides level once more and sending the final into extra time.
Extra Time and Penalties
Despite chances at both ends during extra time — including a late Ronaldo free kick that grazed the crossbar — neither side could find a winner.
In the penalty shootout, Portugal were flawless from the spot, with Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo all converting. Spain, meanwhile, faltered when Álvaro Morata’s effort was saved by Costa and Rodri struck the post.
Key Moment
Diogo Costa’s save from Morata’s penalty shifted the momentum decisively in Portugal’s favour, setting up Ronaldo to fire home the decisive spot-kick and seal his country’s second Nations League crown.
Summary
Goals:
ESP: Zubimendi (16′), Oyarzabal (62′)
POR: Ronaldo (34′), Mendes (78′)
Penalties:
POR: 4/4
ESP: 2/4 (Morata missed, Rodri hit post)
Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo
Title Count: Portugal – 2 (2019, 2025)
Portugal celebrate once again as Europe’s Nations League champions — a fitting swansong for Ronaldo and a testament to their never-say-die spirit.
