Ronaldo's Portugal beat Spain on penalties for Nations League title
Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa (L) saves Spain's Alvaro Morata's penalty during the penalty shoot-out of the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena. Sven Hoppe/dpa
Portugal won the Nations League for the second time, 5-3 on penalties against Spain, after coming from behind twice in regulation, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting for 2-2.
Ronaldo, 40, was substituted in the 88th minute but won a third title after Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League when Alvaro Morata's fourth penalty for Spain was saved by Diogo Costa and Ruben Neves then clinched it for Portugal.
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Spain had led twice, from Martin Zubimendi in the 21st in a goalmouth scramble, and Mikel Oyarzabal's flick on the stroke of half-time. But Portugal first levelled from Nuno Mendes' effort into the far corner in the 26th, and Ronaldo's close range volley just after the hour.
There were no more goals in extra time before Portugal eventually denied Spain a third title in as many years, following success in the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024.
Spain's players react after the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena. Christian Charisius/dpa
Spain's Alvaro Morata (L) misses a penalty against Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa during the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena. Christian Charisius/dpa
Portugal's Pedro Neto (L) and Spain's Alex Baena battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena. Christian Charisius/dpa
Portugal's Nuno Mendes (C) and Spain's Robin Le Normand (L) battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena. Sven Hoppe/dpa
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