Portugal defeat Spain on penalties to clinch Nations League title
Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night, defeating reigning champions Spain 5–3 on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 138th international goal, played a key role in the final before injury forced him off late in the match.
The contest at the Allianz Arena was a gripping encounter between Iberian rivals. Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, but Portugal hit back quickly via Nuno Mendes after a sharp link-up play involving Ronaldo.
Spain regained the lead before half-time thanks to a precise through-ball from Pedri to Mikel Oyarzabal, last year's European Championship final hero. Portugal responded in the second half, with Ronaldo converting from close range to level the score once again.
Extra time could not separate the sides, sending the match to penalties. Alvaro Morata's miss proved decisive, allowing Ruben Neves to net the winning spot-kick and secure Portugal's triumph.
Ronaldo, 40, was visibly emotional at full-time. 'Winning for Portugal is always special,' he told Sport TV. 'I've won many titles with clubs, but nothing compares to this. It's tears, it's joy — mission accomplished.'
Spain, who had not lost since March 2023 and were riding high after a thrilling 5–4 semi-final win over France, fell short despite another promising display. Teenager Lamine Yamal, one of the breakout stars of the tournament, was largely contained.
'This was a very balanced match,' Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said post-match. 'Details decided it in the end. Portugal were just slightly more clinical in the shootout.'
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Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Portugal defeat Spain on penalties to clinch Nations League title
Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night, defeating reigning champions Spain 5–3 on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 138th international goal, played a key role in the final before injury forced him off late in the match. The contest at the Allianz Arena was a gripping encounter between Iberian rivals. Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, but Portugal hit back quickly via Nuno Mendes after a sharp link-up play involving Ronaldo. Spain regained the lead before half-time thanks to a precise through-ball from Pedri to Mikel Oyarzabal, last year's European Championship final hero. Portugal responded in the second half, with Ronaldo converting from close range to level the score once again. Extra time could not separate the sides, sending the match to penalties. Alvaro Morata's miss proved decisive, allowing Ruben Neves to net the winning spot-kick and secure Portugal's triumph. Ronaldo, 40, was visibly emotional at full-time. 'Winning for Portugal is always special,' he told Sport TV. 'I've won many titles with clubs, but nothing compares to this. It's tears, it's joy — mission accomplished.' Spain, who had not lost since March 2023 and were riding high after a thrilling 5–4 semi-final win over France, fell short despite another promising display. Teenager Lamine Yamal, one of the breakout stars of the tournament, was largely contained. 'This was a very balanced match,' Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said post-match. 'Details decided it in the end. Portugal were just slightly more clinical in the shootout.'
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11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Portugal's emotional Ronaldo rejoices in winning Nations League
MUNICH: Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-times Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals. 'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. 'Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. 'When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.' Ronaldo's future remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament. The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the U.S., while his side's sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d'Or winner. For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury. Cristiano Ronaldo says he does not plan to play at Club World Cup 'It's beautiful,' he added. 'It's for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition. 'The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum … I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.'
Business Recorder
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Cristiano Ronaldo says he does not plan to play at Club World Cup
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