In a final packed with emotion, drama, and legacy-defining moments, Portugal etched their name into the annals of history once more—becoming the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice. After a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena, they triumphed 5-3 on penalties over reigning champions Spain, topping an epic night in Munich that left Cristiano Ronaldo in tears and an entire nation in ecstasy.
Earlier on Saturday evening in Stuttgart, France ended their Nations League campaign with a muted 2-0 win over hosts Germany in the third-place final. Germany were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal despite controlling possession and opportunities.
Kylian Mbappé, the perennial talisman, curled a stunning attempt on the cusp of halftime for his 50th international goal—a benchmark that stands as a testament to him being amongst France's greatest finishers of all time source: UEFA. The hosts struck the crossbar twice and had one goal chalked off by VAR, yet France stood strong.
Mbappé went on to become creator in the 84th minute, taking advantage of a defensive error to create for Michael Olise to finish easily. "We should have been 3-0 up after six minutes," Germany skipper Joshua Kimmich said. France's keeper Mike Maignan was colossal, making a string of saves that proved to be decisive.
Allianz Arena witnessed an exhilarating Iberian encounter. Spain took the lead in the 21st minute when Martín Zubimendi took advantage of a Lamine Yamal cross and tapped in, capping an excellently crafted move.
Portugal replied with panache. Within five minutes, Nuno Mendes—who would later receive Player of the Tournament—went down the left, cut in, and blasted in a phenomenal leveller.
Spain regained the advantage on the stroke of half-time when Pedri opened up the Portugal defense with a clever through-ball, which Mikel Oyarzabal intelligently flicked past Diogo Costa.But Portugal weren't finished yet. Cristiano Ronaldo, quiet until that point, opened up some space in the area in the 61st minute and put away Mendes' deflected pass. The goal, his 138th for Portugal, made him the oldest-ever Nations League scorer at 40 years old source: Transfermarkt.
Spain desperately came near to winning a late victor, but Costa made an incredible stop from Isco to take the game to extra time—and ultimately penalties.
Portugal were clinical in the shootout. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and lastly Rúben Neves all scored with accuracy.
Spain's penalty takers kept up step for step—until their captain Álvaro Morata stepped up. His attempt was read perfectly by Costa, whose save set up Neves to score the winner.
Cue pandemonium.Cristiano Ronaldo fell to the ground in tears, later holding aloft his third international title before a raucous Portuguese contingent. "There's nothing better than winning for Portugal," he said afterwards, emotion seeping into every word.
Tactics, Grit, and LegacyPortugal coach Roberto Martínez was credited for his adventurous tactical substitution late in the match. The tactical change to back three from 4-3-3 in extra time was able to counter Spain's width and reinforce their defense. Midfielder Vitinha, whose role in controlling the pace was vital, was widely praised for his calmness and vision [source: UEFA Technical Report].
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente conceded that his side were physically exhausted in the second half, a predictable result of their 5-4 semifinal thriller with France. "We quite simply did not have the legs," he stated at the after-match press conference.
And Ronaldo himself? His impact was not confined to the scoresheet. "He makes us believe in miracles," stated defender Rúben Dias. Even after being withdrawn late on with a knock, his presence and leadership were palpable.
The celebratory scenes were marred by tragedy when a fan fell from the upper tier of the stadium late in the match and was killed. UEFA later confirmed the incident and condemned it, tribute being paid to the victim's family source: BBC Sport.
Ronaldo's reaction at the final whistle also fueled speculation of a farewell to international football. If it is the end, it is a worthy conclusion to a career that helped turn Portugal into a worldwide power.
Legacy Secured Portugal's route to the title was convincing: 18 goals in eight games and wins against Italy, the Netherlands, and now Spain.
They become the second country after France to simultaneously hold the UEFA EURO and Nations League crowns source: UEFA.
Spain, though frustrated, had much to offer with their new crop. Portugal basks in victory—again, as Spain makes preparations for the next World Cup qualifiers.