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UEFA Nations League Final 2025: Portugal Edge Spain in Epic Penalty Shootout

UEFA Nations League Final Review – Spain vs Portugal Showdown

On a dramatic night in Munich’s Allianz Arena, the UEFA Nations League Final delivered everything fans could hope for – goals, tension, and a heart-stopping finish. Spain and Portugal battled to a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes of end-to-end action, forcing a decisive penalty shootout. In the shootout, Portugal held their nerve to prevail 5-3 on penalties, clinching the Nations League title in spectacular fashion. The victory crowns Portugal as champions and marks a famous achievement for Cristiano Ronaldo and his team. UEFA Nations League has been crazy this year.

Final Score: 2-2 after extra time (Portugal won 5-3 on penalties). The match was a rollercoaster from the outset. La Roja struck first through midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, capitalizing on Spain’s early dominance. Portugal answered just five minutes later with a brilliant strike from left-back Nuno Mendes to tie the game 1-1.

Spain regained the lead on the stroke of halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal finished off a slick move to make it 2-1. In the second half, Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue – the 40-year-old superstar poached a close-range goal in the 69th minute (his 138th international goal) to level the match 2-2. Both heavyweights traded chances in an open, thrilling contest, and neither side could find a winner in normal time or extra time. It all came down to penalties, where Portugal converted all five of their spot-kicks to seal the trophy.

Tactical Battle and Key Performances in the UEFA Nations League Final

Spain’s approach: As defending Nations League champions, Spain imposed their possession-based style from the kickoff. Midfield maestros Pedri and Fabián Ruiz controlled the tempo for Spain, stringing together quick passes and maintaining control in the center. This patient buildup paid off early, with Spain’s midfield pivot Zubimendi even venturing forward to score the opening goal. Winger Nico Williams stretched Portugal’s defense with his pace, while young star Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance on the right flank.

Spain’s pressing without the ball was effective in the first half, forcing turnovers that led to Oyarzabal’s go-ahead goal just before the break. However, Spain also left gaps at the back when pushing forward, and their backline had to deal with some nervy moments against Portugal’s counter-attacks.

Portugal’s strategy: Portugal, under coach Roberto Martínez, set up to absorb pressure and strike quickly on the break. With experienced center-backs Rúben Dias and Gonçalo Inácio anchoring a disciplined defense, Portugal often sat deep and invited Spain forward. When possession was won, the midfield duo of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes transitioned play with lightning speed.

Bruno in particular was a creative spark, at one point having a goal disallowed for offside and later forcing a big save from Unai Simón with a long-range shot. On the flanks, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição tried to exploit spaces behind Spain’s full-backs. The equalizer came from an unexpected source – left-back Nuno Mendes – who joined the attack and unleashed a stunning effort to make it 1-1. As the game wore on, Portugal grew in confidence. Ronaldo led the line with intelligent movement, and his veteran presence paid off when he found the net to tie the game in the second half.

Even at 40, Ronaldo showed his enduring class and will to win, rallying his teammates and eventually lifting the trophy as captain. Portugal’s substitutions also made an impact: Diogo Jota came on to add fresh legs in attack (though he missed a golden header in extra time), and midfielder Rúben Neves provided stability late on and calmly buried the final penalty to secure victory.

Defensively, both teams had their shaky moments. Spain’s center-backs Robin Le Normand and teenage debutant Noah Huijsen coped well for stretches but were caught out on Portugal’s quick counters, especially on Ronaldo’s goal where a low cross found him unmarked. Portugal’s defense bent but didn’t break in the face of Spanish possession – goalkeeper Diogo Costa had a few nervy moments but came up huge when it mattered, notably with a diving save to deny Álvaro Morata’s penalty in the shootout.

Overall, the tactical duel was fascinating: Spain’s polished possession vs. Portugal’s direct counters made for a balanced and pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

UEFA Nations League Final Player Ratings

Spain Player Ratings (vs Portugal)

  • Unai Simón (GK) – 7: Made some important saves to keep Spain in the game, including a fingertip deflection on a Bruno Fernandes drive. Guessed the right way on a few penalties but couldn’t get a hand to them.
  • Óscar Mingueza (RB) – 6: Solid work rate early on, supporting the attack and tracking back. Struggled at times with Portugal’s wing play and was subbed off in extra time as legs tired.
  • Robin Le Normand (CB) – 6: Generally reliable in the air and in positioning. Lost track of Ronaldo for the 2-2 goal and looked stretched when Portugal broke forward quickly.
  • Noah Huijsen (CB) – 6: A big occasion for the 18-year-old center-back. Held his own with some timely clearances, though he showed his inexperience when Portugal applied pressure in the second half.
  • Marc Cucurella (LB) – 6: Energetic down the left, pushing high to support attacks. Caught out of position a few times by Bernardo Silva’s runs and was partially responsible for leaving space on the flank for Mendes’ goal.
  • Fabián Ruiz (CM) – 6: Helped Spain dominate possession in spells with neat passing. However, he faded in influence as the match progressed and was replaced in the second half.
  • Martin Zubimendi (CM) – 8: Outstanding performance in midfield. Scored Spain’s opening goal with a well-placed shot and covered a lot of ground, even making surging runs forward in extra time to try and create chances.
  • Pedri (CM) – 7: The creative heartbeat for Spain. Constantly found pockets of space and threaded clever passes, though Portugal did well to contain his final ball. Worked hard off the ball as well.
  • Lamine Yamal (RW) – 6.5: The teenage prodigy showed confident dribbling and one dazzling run in the first half. Nearly had an assist with a dangerous cross, but ultimately no goal contribution and was substituted for fresh legs in extra time.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal (LW) – 8: Scored a crucial goal just before halftime with a clinical finish. Troubled Portugal’s defense with his intelligent movement and link-up play. Subbed off late in extra time after an impressive shift.
  • Nico Williams (ST) – 6.5: Deployed in an unfamiliar central attacking role. Used his pace to press Portugal’s back line and made some incisive runs, but didn’t find end product.

Subs: Yeremy Pino (RW) – 6: Replaced Yamal and injected some energy, though without a decisive impact. Isco (CM) – 7: Brought on experience and composure; converted his penalty in the shootout under pressure. Álex Baena (CM) – 7: Added creativity in midfield and confidently scored his penalty. Pedro Porro (RB) – 7: Brought on in extra time, he nearly scored an audacious long-range chip after spotting the keeper off his line, missing by just a foot. Álvaro Morata (ST) – 5: Entered late to provide a target up front and for the shootout; unfortunately, his penalty was saved by Diogo Costa, a miss that proved costly.

Portugal Player Ratings (vs Spain)

  • Diogo Costa (GK) – 8: Conceded two goals but made a couple of crucial saves during the match. Became the hero in the shootout with a brilliant diving stop on Morata’s penalty, tilting the balance in Portugal’s favor.
  • João Neves (RB) – 6: A makeshift right-back selection that worked hard defensively. Stayed back for the most part and was eventually subbed as Portugal adjusted shape in the second half.
  • Rúben Dias (CB) – 7: A commanding presence in defense. Won his aerial duels and organized the backline, especially during Spain’s dominant spells. His leadership was key in holding off Spain late on.
  • Gonçalo Inácio (CB) – 6.5: Calm on the ball and strong in tackles. Had a few shaky moments when Spain’s pace challenged him, but overall contributed to a resilient defensive effort.
  • Nuno Mendes (LB) – 8: Scored a spectacular goal from distance to bring Portugal level at 1-1. Provided constant width down the left and even in extra time had the energy to surge forward. Also kept his cool to smash home a penalty in the shootout.
  • Bernardo Silva (CM) – 7: Drifted between midfield and attack, linking play with typical finesse. Created a couple of opportunities with his vision. Though not directly involved in the goals, his work rate and ball retention were vital for Portugal’s game plan.
  • Vitinha (CM) – 7: Busy and effective in midfield. Pressed Spanish players relentlessly and used the ball efficiently. Slotted his penalty confidently in the shootout.
  • Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 7.5: A constant creative threat. Had a goal ruled out for offside and forced a big save from Spain’s keeper late in the game. Dispatched his spot-kick with his trademark coolness. Fernandes also helped out defensively, showing his leadership in midfield.
  • Pedro Neto (RW) – 6: Looked lively in the opening stages, delivering a few teasing crosses. Faded as the game went on and was subbed at halftime, possibly due to a knock or tactical switch.
  • Francisco Conceição (LW) – 6.5: Showed flashes of pace and trickery on the ball. Tested Spain’s right flank a few times but lacked the final pass. Worked hard before being taken off in the second half for fresh legs.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 8: The veteran superstar rose to the occasion yet again. Scored with a poacher’s instinct to make it 2-2, recording his 138th international goal in the process. Led by example – pressing defenders, encouraging teammates, and pouring his heart into the game. Although subbed off late in the second half to a standing ovation, Ronaldo’s influence was undeniable and he lifted the trophy with tears of joy in his eyes.

Subs: Diogo Jota (FW) – 6: Came on and added pace and directness. Had a glorious chance with a header in extra time but put it over the bar. Rúben Neves (CM) – 7: Brought on for added midfield steel and fresh legs. Held possession well and coolly scored the title-winning penalty to make Portugal champions. João Cancelo (RB) – 6: Introduced to reinforce the defense in extra time; helped contain Spain’s wing play. Rafael Leão (FW) – 6: A late extra-time sub, didn’t have many touches but added a distraction for Spain’s defense. Ricardo Horta (FW) – N/A: Came on in the final moments to run down the clock (insufficient time to rate).

Facts and Stats from the UEFA Nations League Final

  • Historic Title for Portugal: This triumph earned Portugal their second UEFA Nations League title (they won the inaugural edition in 2019 as well). Portugal is the first nation to win the Nations League twice.
  • Shootout Perfection: Portugal converted all five of their penalties in the shootout, while Spain managed three before missing one. Diogo Costa’s clutch save on Spain’s fourth attempt (Morata’s shot) proved decisive.
  • Ronaldo’s Record extends: Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the final was the 138th of his international career – further extending his record as the top scorer in men’s international football. At age 40, he remains his country’s talisman.
  • Thrilling High-Scoring Final: The 2-2 scoreline made this the highest-scoring UEFA Nations League final to date, surpassing the previous mark of 3 goals in the 2021 final. Fans were treated to an offensive showcase by both teams.
  • Long-Awaited Win: Portugal had not defeated Spain in a competitive match since 2004. Breaking that 21-year drought in a final on penalties made the victory even sweeter for the Seleção.
  • Spain’s Title Defense Falls Short: Spain were aiming to become the first back-to-back Nations League champions after winning the 2023 edition. Despite a strong performance, La Roja fell just short, undone by the lottery of penalties in an otherwise evenly matched contest.

The UEFA Nations League Final lived up to its billing as a blockbuster event. It was a night of high-quality football, intense drama, and memorable moments. Spain and Portugal produced an instant classic – an epic finale that will be remembered for years, highlighting the beauty and unpredictability of football on the big stage.

Farhan
Farhanhttps://soccrly.com
Welcome to Soccrly! I’m Farhan and I'm here to bring you all the latest news, transfers, stories, and pure football drama. Let’s live and breathe the game together! Here We Go!

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