Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly emotional as Portugal lifted their second UEFA Nations League title, edging out reigning champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after an enthralling 2-2 draw in Sunday’s final at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
The veteran forward’s 138th international goal proved pivotal, drawing Portugal level in the second half and forcing the game into extra time before it culminated in a nerve-racking penalty shootout. Spain’s Alvaro Morata was the only player to miss from the spot, allowing Ruben Neves to bury the decisive kick and send Portuguese players and fans into rapturous celebration.
Tears streamed down Ronaldo’s face as the final whistle confirmed the triumph. The 40-year-old talisman, who also had a hand in Portugal’s first equalizer, appeared overwhelmed by the magnitude of the victory. He limped off injured late in extra time but not before delivering yet another memorable moment in a glittering international career.
Spain entered the match riding high on confidence, having extended their unbeaten streak to over a year following a dramatic 5-4 semifinal win over France. That momentum carried over early in the final when Martin Zubimendi gave La Roja a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute with a simple tap-in.
However, Portugal responded swiftly. Nuno Mendes surged forward from defense to finish a flowing move initiated by Ronaldo, leveling the score before the half-hour mark.
The first half ended with more drama, as Spain reclaimed the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal. The winger latched onto a sublime through ball from Pedri and calmly slotted past Portugal’s goalkeeper. Oyarzabal, who had secured Spain’s Euro title last year with a late winner against England, looked set to repeat his heroics.
But Ronaldo had other plans. In the 63rd minute, he capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire in Portugal’s second equalizer, a close-range strike that reignited Portuguese hopes and intensified the encounter between the two Iberian rivals.
Much was made pre-match of the generational duel between the legendary Ronaldo and Spain’s 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yet while Yamal found chances limited, it was Ronaldo who stole the spotlight one more time.
As the game progressed into penalties, Portugal remained composed, converting all five of their spot-kicks. When Neves tucked in the final shot, the Portuguese bench emptied in celebration, and Ronaldo, tearful and triumphant, stood at the heart of it all.
