Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the Nations League trophy high as “We Are The Champions” echoed through the Munich stadium on Sunday, following Portugal’s dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero, saving Álvaro Morata’s crucial fourth spot-kick for Spain. Moments later, Rúben Neves calmly buried Portugal’s fifth penalty, sealing the win after a gripping 2-2 draw that extended through extra time.
Morata, the lone player to miss his penalty, was visibly devastated as every other taker had found the net until his attempt.
Ronaldo had earlier kept Portugal in contention, equalizing in the 61st minute with his 138th international goal — extending his all-time record — after Mikel Oyarzabal had opened the scoring just before halftime.
“It’s a tough one to take, but over time we’ll value this effort more,” said Oyarzabal. “We lacked energy in the second half. Their substitutions gave them momentum, but we’re proud of what we showed and we’ll keep fighting for titles.”
Spain, the reigning European champion, struggled to recreate the attacking rhythm that saw them dominate France in the semifinals.
Their first goal, in the 21st minute, came with a touch of luck as Martin Zubimendi capitalized on Portugal’s failure to deal with a Lamine Yamal cross. Portugal responded swiftly — Nuno Mendes struck a crisp low finish just five minutes later to level the score at 1-1.
Mendes delivered a standout performance, earning Player of the Match honors. He was instrumental on both ends — scoring, providing the assist for Ronaldo’s equalizer (via a deflected cross), keeping Yamal largely contained, and converting his penalty with confidence.
Ronaldo, drained from his efforts, exited to applause in the 88th minute, embracing coach Roberto Martínez after another landmark performance. Just days earlier, he had led Portugal to its first win over Germany in 25 years.
For Mendes and his Paris Saint-Germain teammates — Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves, and Vitinha — the Nations League crown marked a second major triumph in just over a week, having won the Champions League at the same venue.
Explore the best online betting site Singapore with Octabet betting news. Start winning today! Register now!
