The 2025 Nations League final witnessed a thrilling encounter between Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for Portugal. The match, held in Munich, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. Portugal, trailing twice during regulation time, displayed remarkable fighting spirit to equalize on both occasions, ultimately securing their second Nations League title.
The match began with Spain asserting early dominance, their fluid attacking movements, spearheaded by the likes of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, troubling the Portuguese defense. Spain’s pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi capitalized on a defensive lapse by Portugal, firing a powerful shot into the net. However, Portugal’s response was swift and decisive. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes, set up by Pedro Neto, unleashed a low drive across the goal, restoring parity. The back-and-forth action continued, with Spain regaining the lead just before halftime. A slick passing move involving Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal culminated in the latter’s precise finish past Diogo Costa. Oyarzabal’s goal marked his third in as many international finals, having previously scored in the Euro 2024 final against England and the 2023 Nations League final.
The second half saw Cristiano Ronaldo, relatively quiet until then, emerge as Portugal’s savior. In the 61st minute, Mendes delivered a cross which took a deflection, and Ronaldo, showcasing his strength and aerial prowess, outmuscled Marc Cucurella before volleying the ball into the net. This equalizer marked Ronaldo’s fourth goal in ten appearances against Spain, his previous three coming in a memorable 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup. As the match wore on, Ronaldo, visibly hampered by cramp, was substituted in the closing stages of regulation time.
With the score level at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match proceeded to extra time. Despite Portugal enjoying the better of the chances, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to the tense climax of a penalty shootout. Both sides displayed nerves of steel, converting their first three penalties. The pressure mounted as Mendes successfully dispatched Portugal’s fourth penalty, leaving Morata with the responsibility of keeping Spain in the contest. However, Morata’s shot was straight at Diogo Costa, handing Portugal the advantage. Ruben Neves then stepped up and calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese players and fans.
This victory marked Portugal’s second competitive win against their Iberian rivals in their extensive history. Their only previous competitive triumph over Spain came in Euro 2004, a 1-0 victory that eliminated Spain from the tournament, with a 19-year-old Ronaldo featuring on the left wing. The 2025 Nations League triumph also cemented Portugal’s status as the first two-time winners of the competition, which was inaugurated in 2018. This added another prestigious title to Portugal’s trophy cabinet, joining their Euro 2016 triumph.
The match showcased the tactical nous of both managers, Roberto Martinez for Portugal and Luis de la Fuente for Spain. Martinez’s substitutions and tactical adjustments played a key role in Portugal’s comeback, while De la Fuente’s Spain demonstrated their attacking flair and ability to create scoring opportunities. The individual brilliance of players like Mendes and Ronaldo for Portugal, and Yamal and Oyarzabal for Spain, added to the spectacle.
The final was a testament to the high quality of football played in both nations and the intense rivalry between them. The match was a fitting finale to the Nations League tournament, providing fans with an enthralling contest filled with drama, skill, and ultimately, a decisive outcome. The victory served as a validation of Portugal’s growth as a footballing nation and their ability to compete at the highest level.
The image of Ronaldo, despite being substituted due to injury, hobbling onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates encapsulates the spirit and unity within the Portuguese squad. This victory will undoubtedly be a cherished memory for the players and fans alike, further solidifying Portugal’s place among Europe’s elite footballing nations. The Nations League title serves as a springboard for Portugal as they look ahead to future challenges, including the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and ultimately, the World Cup. The experience gained in this tournament, particularly the resilience shown in the final, will prove invaluable as they aim to build upon their recent success.
