Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and head coach Roberto Martinez (R) of Portugal celebrate after the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich, , June 08, 2025. EFE/EPA/ANNA SZILAGYI

Portugal beats Spain, wins Nations League

Sports Desk, Jun 2 (EFE).- Portugal won the Nations League for the second time on Sunday following a heart-stopping penalty shootout with Spain.

The Spaniards started the game as the favorite, especially after sweeping into an early lead with Martin Zubimendi’s goal in the 21st minute.

Portugal responded four minutes later with a drive from left-back Nuno Mendes.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa of Portugal saves shots in penalty shootout from Alvaro Morata of Spain (not pictured) during the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich,  Jun. 08, 2025. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER

Spain regained the lead just before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 45th minute.

However, Portugal was not ready to concede a victory, and Roberto Martínez’s halftime changes helped swing the momentum.

Cristiano Ronaldo kept his team in the game with an equalizer in the 61st minute, forcing a penalty shootout.

When the time came for the shootout, Portugal was perfect, scoring all five goals.

Diogo Costa sealed the victory when he blocked Álvaro Morata’s shot.

The defining moment came when Ruben Neves scored on the last kick, securing the trophy for Portugal.

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