Portugal Beat Spain on Penalties to Win Nations League Title
Portugal have been crowned UEFA Nations League champions for a second time after beating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in Munich.
The final ended 2-2 after extra time, but it was Ruben Neves who slotted home the decisive spot-kick after Diogo Costa saved from Alvaro Morata. With that, Portugal became the first team to win the competition twice, having also lifted the inaugural trophy in 2019.
Spain struck first midway through the opening half. Lamine Yamal, always lively on the right, whipped in a dangerous ball that caused confusion in the Portugal box. Diogo Costa failed to deal with it, and Martin Zubimendi reacted quickest to fire into the empty net.
Portugal hit back soon after through Nuno Mendes. The full-back found space on the edge of the area and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner past Unai Simon for his first international goal.
Spain restored their lead just before half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal finished off a sharp move inside the box with a clinical strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been quiet until the hour mark but did what he so often does. He drifted between defenders and tucked in a cross from Mendes to bring Portugal level again.
Extra time followed with chances at both ends, but no breakthrough. So it all came down to penalties.
Both sides held their nerve early in the shootout, but when Morata stepped up, Costa dived the right way and kept it out. Neves then stepped forward and calmly sent Simon the wrong way to seal the win.
Ronaldo led the celebrations, lifting the trophy again six years after first doing so on home soil. For Spain, it was a tough way to end a thrilling campaign, especially after their chaotic 5-4 win over France in the semis.
Portugal, though, were composed when it counted and now stand alone as two-time Nations League champions. Tags: PortugalRonaldoSpainUEFA Nations LeagueYamal
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