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Portugal Snatches UEFA Nations League Title from Spain

Portugal clinched the UEFA Nations League title for the second time since the tournament’s inception, having first lifted the trophy in 2019. This time, they edged past neighbors and reigning champions Spain 5–3 in a penalty shootout following a dramatic 2–2 draw after extra time in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Despite twice taking the lead through Real Sociedad duo Martín Zubimendi (21’) and Mikel Oyarzabal (45’), Spain failed to hold on, as Portugal responded with goals from left-back Nuno Mendes (26’) and star forward Cristiano Ronaldo (61’). Ronaldo was forced off due to injury in the final minutes of regulation, but burst into tears of joy at full-time as he lifted the trophy once again as captain of A Seleção.

With the deadlock persisting through extra time, the match went to penalties, where Portugal converted all five of their spot-kicks. Spain, however, faltered when Álvaro Morata’s attempt (4th) was saved—mirroring their path to the 2023 title, which they had won via penalties over Croatia.

This marks Portugal’s third major international title, adding to their UEFA Euro 2016 triumph and their 2019 Nations League crown—both won with 1–0 victories (against France and the Netherlands, respectively).

Key Moments from the Final

Spain opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Lamine Yamal sent a ball into the box that deflected awkwardly off Portugal’s Rúben Dias and João Neves. Zubimendi pounced on the loose ball and calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal quickly responded five minutes later. Full-back Nuno Mendes surged forward after receiving a pass from Pedro Neto and struck a low, powerful shot into Unai Simón’s bottom left corner.

Spain regained the lead just before halftime, as Oyarzabal expertly guided Pedri’s precise pass into the net (45’).

The equaliser came in the 61st minute when Mendes again broke down the left flank, easily beating Yamal before sending in a cross that deflected off Robin Le Normand. The ball fell perfectly for Ronaldo, who snuck behind Marc Cucurella to tap it home with his right foot from close range.

The game remained locked through extra time, pushing the final into a shootout. Portugal showed nerves of steel as Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Mendes, and Neves all converted. For Spain, substitutes Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Álex Baena (Villarreal), and Isco (Real Betis) scored, but Morata—currently at Galatasaray—had his attempt saved by Costa, sealing the Portuguese victory.

France Clinch Third Place Against Hosts Germany

France secured third place with a 2–0 victory over the host nation, Germany, in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring on the brink of halftime (45’) and later provided the assist for substitute Michael Olise’s clinching goal in the 84th minute.

This win marked Les Bleus’ first over Die Mannschaft since June 2021, ending a run of two friendly defeats. For Germany, it was a second consecutive loss—their first such streak since 2023—after falling to Portugal 1–2 in the semifinals.