In yet another decider that will go down in the history books of international soccer, Portugal beat Spain on penalties at the Allianz Arena to win the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again winning his third trophy for Portugal at the age of 40.
Roberto Martínez's side started the game with a lot of attacking verve and a lot of intensity in their defensive phases, using a 4-4-1 formation without the ball. Spain were slow to get close to goal and Nico Williams came close to scoring a couple of times, in a game in which Lamine Yamal was well held by the opposition defense.
However, Barcelona's talented youngster was responsible for the move that opened the scoring in the final. Yamal crossed from the right and Diogo Costa laid the ball off to João Neves, who crossed and the ball was cleared for Zubimendi to open the scoring. But things didn't stop there, as Portugal managed to get back into the game in the first half.
Pedro Neto came up well on the left and laid the ball off for Nuno Mendes to hit the crossbar with great force to equalize. However, Spain managed to take the lead again in a fatal counter-attack thanks to Pedri, who opened up the area with Oyarzabal, and a light touch was enough to take the ball away from the goalkeeper.
With more of an attacking presence in the second half, Portugal made it 2-2 in the 60th minute, when Nuno Mendes received a left-footed cross from Yamal, until the ball reached Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old top scorer who was once again decisive in a hugely decisive moment for Portugal.
Portugal grew in the most decisive moment against Spain
Spain pressed again and Isco made a great save from Diego Costa in the remainder of the second half, but the game ended up going to extra time without much emotion due to physical tiredness, even though it was very intense. Nuno Mendes stood out positively and even left Semedo in front of goal, but his shot didn't come off properly.
After 120 minutes with an extremely tense 2-2 draw, Portugal and Spain decided the winner on penalties and the one who upset the odds was Álvaro Morata, his team's all-time top scorer, who stopped Diego Costa with a fine save. With a 100% penalty shoot-out record, Portugal secured their first ever Nations League double.