Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo collects the trophy from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin after successful the Nations League on June 8, 2025. — Reuters
MUNICH: Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome with emotion as Portugal gained the Nations League title after a tense penalty shootout in opposition to Spain.
The match ended 2–2 after further time, with Ronaldo scoring a key aim earlier than Portugal held their nerve to win 5–3 on penalties.
Ronaldo’s 138th worldwide aim took the ultimate to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata’s miss proving expensive for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the successful spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain.
Spain’s exhilarating 5–4 victory over France in Thursday’s semi-final had ensured Luis de la Fuente’s aspect continued an unbeaten run stretching again to March 2023 forward of Sunday’s showpiece ultimate in Munich.
They appeared on the right track for an additional trophy, following final yr’s European Championship triumph, when Martín Zubimendi tapped in his second worldwide aim within the twenty first minute.
The holders’ lead didn’t final lengthy, nonetheless, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted dwelling the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo within the build-up.
A chic cross from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal – who had scored the winner in opposition to England in final yr’s European Championship ultimate – restore Spain’s lead earlier than the break.
The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a conflict between previous and new – 40-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Whereas Yamal, a favorite to win one in all soccer’s most prestigious particular person awards this yr, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his likelihood, firing Portugal stage from shut vary simply previous the hour mark.
Ronaldo went off injured late on, and neither aspect may discover a winner in further time. The match went to a shootout, with Portugal changing all 5 penalties to carry the trophy.
