In a dramatic UEFA Nations League final that went the distance, Portugal edged Spain 5-3 in a tension-filled penalty shootout to become the first two-time champions of the competition. The victory marks a triumphant start to Roberto Martínez’s tenure as Portugal boss and potentially serves as a fairytale international send-off for Cristiano Ronaldo.
First Half Fireworks
The Iberian derby exploded into life from the opening whistle. Portugal, winners of the inaugural 2019 tournament, nearly struck first when 19-year-old João Neves volleyed Bernardo Silva’s clever corner just wide in the 5th minute. Spain responded in kind, with Pedri flashing a shot inches past the post after Nico Williams’ incisive buildup play.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute through Martín Zubimendi, who pounced on a loose ball after Lamine Yamal’s dangerous cross caused chaos in Portugal’s box. But their lead lasted just four minutes before PSG fullback Nuno Mendes announced himself on the big stage, cutting inside and unleashing a thunderbolt into the far corner.
Spain regained control just before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal expertly flicked Pedri’s delicate through ball past Diogo Costa, sending La Roja into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Second Half Drama
Portugal thought they’d equalized immediately after the restart through Bruno Fernandes, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside. The Seleção’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when the ageless Ronaldo reacted quickest to poke home Mendes’ deflected cross for his 130th international goal.
Spain nearly won it in regulation time through substitute Isco, but Costa produced a spectacular save to force extra time. With both managers rotating their squads and legs tiring, penalties became inevitable – setting the stage for Portugal’s perfect execution from the spot.
Shootout Perfection
While Spain had triumphed in last year’s final shootout against Croatia, this time their luck ran out. Álvaro Morata’s crucial miss in the fourth round opened the door for Rúben Neves to convert the winning penalty, completing Portugal’s flawless 5-3 shootout performance.
The victory cements Portugal’s status as the most successful nation in Nations League history and provides a potential storybook ending for Ronaldo’s international tournament career. For Spain, it’s a bitter pill to swallow after controlling large portions of the match, but Luis de la Fuente’s young squad showed enough promise to suggest they’ll remain contenders at next summer’s European Championship.
Key Stat: Portugal became the first team to win all five penalties in a Nations League final shootout, with Costa’s save on Morata proving the decisive moment.
What’s Next: Both nations turn their attention to Euro 2024 qualifying, with this thrilling encounter serving as an appetizer for what promises to be another competitive chapter in Iberian football rivalry.