The UEFA Nations League 2025 final, held on June 8, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, delivered an electrifying clash between Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain. In a match that ended 2-2 after extra time, Portugal emerged victorious, defeating Spain 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim their second Nations League title, becoming the first team to win the competition twice. The final showcased thrilling moments, standout performances, and a tense conclusion, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes leading Portugal to glory. Here’s a detailed recap of the match highlights, key moments, and what this victory means for both teams.
Match Overview
The Portugal vs. Spain final was a high-stakes encounter, pitting two footballing powerhouses against each other. Portugal, the 2019 champions, faced off against the defending 2023 champions, Spain, in a bid to become the first two-time winners of the UEFA Nations League. The match lived up to its billing, with both teams displaying attacking flair and defensive resilience. Spain dominated possession with 61% and outshot Portugal 16 to 7, generating 2.06 expected goals (xG) compared to Portugal’s 1.02. However, Portugal’s clinical finishing and composure in the penalty shootout proved decisive.
Key Moments and Highlights
First Half: A Frenetic Start
The match kicked off with both teams showcasing their attacking intent at the Allianz Arena. Just five minutes in, Portugal’s João Neves nearly opened the scoring, striking narrowly wide of the target. Spain responded in the 15th minute when Pedri side-footed a shot just past the post, signaling their threat.
- 21st Minute – Spain Take the Lead: Spain broke the deadlock through Martín Zubimendi. A teasing ball from Lamine Yamal caused chaos in Portugal’s defense, and goalkeeper Diogo Costa failed to clear, allowing Zubimendi to tap into an empty net for a 1-0 lead.
- 26th Minute – Portugal Equalize: Portugal responded swiftly with a moment of brilliance from Nuno Mendes. The left-back rifled a powerful shot into the bottom right corner past Unai Simón, scoring his first international goal and leveling the score at 1-1.
- 45th Minute – Spain Regain the Lead: Just before halftime, Spain struck again. Pedri delivered a precise pass to Mikel Oyarzabal, who clipped the ball over Diogo Costa to restore Spain’s lead at 2-1, capping a positive first half for La Roja.
Second Half: Ronaldo’s Heroics
Portugal came out of the break determined to shift the momentum. Manager Roberto Martínez’s substitutions, including Rúben Neves and Nélson Semedo, injected energy into the squad.
- 61st Minute – Ronaldo Levels the Score: Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old, proved his enduring class by volleying home a stunning equalizer to make it 2-2. His 138th international goal, assisted by a pinpoint cross from Nuno Mendes, sent the Portuguese fans into raptures and kept Portugal in the fight.
- Late Chances: Both teams pushed for a winner in regulation time. Spain’s Nico Williams fired a low curler just wide, while Lamine Yamal’s long-range effort sailed over the bar. Portugal’s Francisco Conceição also tested Unai Simón, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Extra Time: Tension Mounts
With the score tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Both teams made substitutions to freshen their lineups, with Spain bringing on Álvaro Morata and Álex Baena, and Portugal introducing Diogo Jota and Rafael Leão. A notable moment came when a potential penalty for Portugal was reviewed after a scuffle involving Nuno Mendes and Álex Baena, but VAR upheld the referee’s decision, resulting in yellow cards for both players.
Despite Portugal’s dangerous left-sided attacks, led by Leão, Mendes, and Bruno Fernandes, and Spain’s persistent pressure, neither team could find a decisive goal. Pedro Porro’s audacious attempt from the halfway line for Spain narrowly missed, and Diogo Jota’s late chance for Portugal was mistimed. The match headed to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Portugal’s Triumph
The shootout, taken at the Portuguese end of the Allianz Arena, was a nerve-wracking affair. Portugal’s Diogo Costa proved to be the hero, saving Álvaro Morata’s spot-kick, which gave Portugal the edge. Rúben Neves sealed the victory with a clinical penalty, securing a 5-3 win in the shootout. Ronaldo, substituted in the 88th minute due to an apparent injury concern, watched anxiously from the sidelines as his teammates clinched the title. The victory sparked wild celebrations, with Ronaldo in tears as he lifted his third international trophy with Portugal.
Standout Performances
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal): Named the Player of the Tournament, Mendes was exceptional both offensively and defensively. His equalizing goal and assist for Ronaldo’s strike were pivotal, cementing his status as one of the world’s best left-backs.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): At 40, Ronaldo delivered when it mattered most, scoring the crucial equalizer and becoming the first player over 40 to score in a Nations League final. His leadership and composure were instrumental.
- Mikel Oyarzabal and Martín Zubimendi (Spain): Oyarzabal’s clinical finish and Zubimendi’s opener showcased Spain’s attacking depth, though their efforts were overshadowed by the shootout loss.
- Diogo Costa (Portugal): The goalkeeper’s save in the penalty shootout was the defining moment, proving his worth under pressure.
Post-Match Reactions
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, praised his team’s resilience: “When we work for over 30 games, we start to see confidence, resilience, trust, and quality.” He highlighted the team’s ability to respond to setbacks, particularly after trailing twice.
Spain’s Álvaro Morata, reflecting on his missed penalty, expressed pride in reaching another final: “Sometimes football is like this. We need to say congratulations to Portugal. We need to be proud of our work because we reached another final, which is not easy.”
Posts on X echoed the sentiment of Portugal’s clinical efficiency despite Spain’s statistical dominance, with one user noting, “Spain had the talent and momentum, but Portugal were clinical and resilient.”
What’s Next?
Portugal’s victory solidifies their status as a European powerhouse, with their second Nations League title following their 2019 triumph and Euro 2016 success. The win provides a boost as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Group F, starting in September 2025.
For Spain, the loss is a setback after their Euro 2024 and 2023 Nations League triumphs, but their young squad, led by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, showed immense promise. They will regroup for World Cup qualifiers in Group E, aiming to maintain their dominance in European football.
Conclusion
The Portugal vs. Spain 2025 UEFA Nations League final was a fitting showcase of top-tier international football, with Portugal’s 5-3 penalty shootout victory capping a thrilling 2-2 draw. Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo’s heroics, combined with Diogo Costa’s shootout save, secured Portugal’s historic second title. While Spain’s attacking prowess kept them in contention, Morata’s missed penalty proved costly. As both teams look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, this final will be remembered as a classic encounter between two footballing giants.