Lamine missing: the 3️⃣ key players who shaped the Nations League final | OneFootball

It wasn't meant to be. Spain was unable to defend its Nations League title against a Portugal that, at the very least, matched their performance.

These are the three protagonists that an agonizing final left us with, which was decided in the penalty shootout.

Disappeared Lamine Yamal

📸 TOBIAS SCHWARZ - AFP or licensors

Especially in a second half where he tiptoed through. It's true that Nuno Mendes was a rock, but the winger lacked energy and persistence to overflow.

His worst game with La Roja.

Portugal had more bench

📸 ALEXANDRA BEIER - AFP or licensors

Spain suffered a lot from Pedri's change, and Portugal, on the other hand, was able to take the game to the penalty shootout thanks to the energy from the bench from Rafael Laeao.

Great game also from Nuno Mendes, MVP of the final.

De la Fuente didn't have luck today with the changes: it's incomprehensible to substitute Pedri or Oyarzabal when he did, unless for medical reasons.

Morata put the bitter cherry on top

📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2025 Getty Images

The number nine came on in extra time to replace Oyarzabal, the team's best shooter, and missed the only penalty in the shootout. His shot, very centered, was saved by Diogo Costa with solvency.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2025 Getty Images