Portugal secures Nations League title in thrilling shootout victory over Spain.
Ronaldo Weeps as Portugal Clinch Nations League Title
MUNICH, Germany - Tears streamed down Cristiano Ronaldo's face as Portugal secured the UEFA Nations League trophy, beating Spain 5-3 on penalties following a nail-biting 2-2 draw in the 2025 final.
Ronaldo struck his 138th international goal, taking the match to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata's miss sealing Spain's fate as Ruben Neves struck the winner to spark a wild celebration, the emotion too much for the veteran captain.
Spain had reached the final with an exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in the semi-final on June 5th, thereby extending an unbeaten run dating back to March 2023.
Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute, giving the holders an early lead. However, Portugal's flying full-back Nuno Mendes equalized shortly after, thanks to some good work from Ronaldo.
Pedri's sublime pass set up Mikel Oyarzabal, who had scored the winner against England in the 2024 European Championship final, to restore Spain's lead before the break.
This clash between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a contest between the old and the new—40-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and Spain's teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal. Despite Yamal's high expectations this season, he struggled to make an impact, while Ronaldo seized his chance, firing Portugal level with a close-range effort just past the hour mark.
Ronaldo sustained an injury late in the game and neither side could find a winner in extra time, taking the contest to a shootout, where Portugal emerged victorious, adding another trophy to their collection.
Spain's Struggle for Continued SuccessSince the 2024 European Championship triumph, confidence remained high in Spain's camp. However, the 2025 Nations League final served as a reminder that their remarkable unbeaten run came to an end in Munich.
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Cristiano Ronaldo – Still a Formidable ForceRonaldo yet again proved himself as a force to be reckoned with, with his crucial goal in the final vaulting him even higher in the record books.
References:1. UEFA Nations League 2025 Final – Portugal vs Spain (2025) [Online]. Available: https://www.uefaeuro.com/womens-euro/season=2025/matches/round=2001684/match=2031367/ [Accessed 2025-06-10].
In the emotional aftermath of Portugal's Nations League triumph, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his undying passion for football by netting a crucial goal that propelled his team to victory against Spain. Despite Spain's impressive unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023, their marvelous form was momentarily halted in this encounter against their Iberian neighbors.
