Munich∙ Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal won the UEFA Nations League title after beating the reigning champions Spain in a thrilling final that went to a penalty shootout after regulation time and extra time. Portugal won the shootout 5-3 in the match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with goalkeeper Diego Costa acting as a guardian angel. After both teams scored two goals each in regulation time and extra time, a penalty shootout was needed to determine the winner. While all the kickers for Portugal found the target in the shootout, the decisive moment was when the Portuguese goalkeeper saved a kick by Spanish player Alvaro Morata. Gonzalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and Ruben Diaz found the target for Portugal in the shootout. Michael Merino, Alex Baena and Isco also scored for Spain. There was no shootout as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for Portugal and youngster Lamine Yamal was substituted for Spain. This is Portugal’s second title, which was won in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. Youngster Nuno Mendes’ brilliant performance led Portugal to the title. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also shone with a decisive goal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half goal gave Portugal a draw with Spain. Spain was leading 2–1 at half-time. Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute. Youngster Nuno Mendes (26th minute) scored Portugal’s first goal. Youngster Martin Subimendi (21st minute) and Michael Oyarzabal (45th minute) scored for Spain. ∙ How the goals came
Spain, who had dominated the attack compared to Portugal, deservedly opened the way for the first goal in the 21st minute. During Spain’s advance, the ball went from Martin Subimendi to Lamine Yamal on the right wing. Sensing danger, the Portuguese defense turned around and Yamal’s shot went into the box. During the confusion between the goalkeeper and the defense, the ball went straight to Subimendi, who was left alone. Subimendi hit the ball into the open post. The score was 1–0. Spain’s joy lasted only five minutes. In the 26th minute, after a move involving superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto passed the ball to Nuno Mendes outside the box. Taking advantage of a gap in the Spanish defense, Mendes’ left-footed shot, which went over the goalkeeper’s outstretched arms, went into the net. The score was 1–1. With both teams looking to go into the break tied, Spain took the lead again through Michael Oyarzabal. This time, the game was 45 minutes old. Pedri’s brilliant through-ball aimed at Oyarzabal near the Portugal box. With the ball at his feet, Oyarzabal’s shot beat the Portuguese defender who came to block it and made goalkeeper Diego Costa look on as a spectator and into the net. The score was 2–1. The second half started off with Portugal putting up a fierce fight, eager to get back in the game. Meanwhile, Portugal seemed to have scored an equalizer through Bruno Fernandes, but it was ruled out for offside. After this, Cristiano Ronaldo was the savior of Portugal in the 61st minute. Once again, Nuno Mendes opened the way for the goal, flying down the right wing. Mendes broke through Lamine Yamal’s defense and crossed the ball into the box. Ronaldo’s brilliant finish from close range on the ball that bounced off the body of the Spaniard. The score was 2–2.
