Portugal Edges Spain in Thriller to Claim Second Nations League Title

Spain drew first blood in Munich with Martín Zubimendi finding the net in the 21st minute to give La Roja an early lead, but Portugal hit back almost immediately, just four minutes later Nuno Mendes unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box to level the score.
The game didn’t slow down from there. Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain back in front just before halftime, finishing off a slick move assisted by Pedri. Early in the second half, Bruno Fernandes thought he’d equalized for Portugal, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Cristiano Ronaldo brought Portugal back into it in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box after Mendes’s deflected cross caused chaos. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s night was cut short, though, as he was forced off with an apparent injury in the 86th minute, with Gonçalo Ramos coming on in his place.
With the score locked at 2-2 after full time, the match headed into extra time, Portugal looked the stronger side early on, with Mendes and Rafael Leão causing problems for the Spanish backline. But as the minutes wore on, Spain began to control possession again, though they couldn’t find a way past a resolute Portuguese defense.
The deadlock continued through extra time and the final went to penalties; Both teams held their nerve early, converting their first three spot-kicks. But Alvaro Morata’s miss in the fourth round swung the momentum in Portugal’s favor, Ruben Neves stepped up and calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, sealing a dramatic win and delivering Portugal their second Nations League title.