Munich: Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome by emotion as Portugal won the Nations League title after a tense penalty against Spain.
The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Ronaldo scoring a central goal before Portugal held their nerve to win 5-3 on sanctions.
Ronaldos 138. International goals took the final to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata’s Miss Proving expensive for Spain as Ruben Neves hit the winning Spotkick to trigger wild celebration scenes, with emotions overwhelming the veteran captain.
Spain’s exciting 5-4 win over France in Thursday’s semi-final had secured Luis de la Fuente’s side continued an unbeaten race that stretched back to March 2023 ahead of Sunday’s Showpiece final in Munich.
They looked at the course after another trophy after last year’s European Championship triumph as MartÃn Zubimendi knocked on his second international goal in the 21st minute.
However, the holders’ lead did not last long as Flying Portugal-Back-back Nuno Mendes Split Equalizer home after good work from Ronaldo in the construction.
A sublime passport from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal – who had scored the winner against England in last year’s European championship final – restored Spain’s lead before the break.
Tussle between the Iberian neighbors was invoiced as a clash between old and new-40-year-old, five-time balloon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
While Yamal, a favorite to win one of football’s most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to get in, Ronaldo jumped at his chance and fired Portugal level from close range just past the timer.
Ronaldo went late on the wound and none of the pages could find a winner for extra time. The match went to a shootout where Portugal converted all five sanctions to lift the trophy.
