Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win Nations League | OneFootball

Portugal came out on top in a dramatic final against Spain, edging their Iberian rivals on penalties in Munich after a 2-2 draw to lift the Nations League trophy for the second time.

The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides missing early chances after João Neves volleyed wide for Portugal, and Pedri couldn’t make the most of a neat cutback from Nico Williams.

The European champions started to control the game and managed to take the lead in the 21st minute.

A lovely ball from Lamine Yamal into the box, cause havoc in the Portuguese defence and Martin Zubimendi was on hand to tap into an open net, and although Portugal protested Mikel Oyarzabal had interfered from an offside position, VAR gave the goal.

But Roberto Martinez's side responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Nuno Mendes drove into the Spanish box and smashed a low shot past Unai Simón to level things up.

The lead didn’t last, though. On the brink of half-time, Pedri produced a moment of brilliance, bursting through midfield and picking out Oyarzabal with a perfectly weighted pass. The Real Sociedad forward kept his cool and flicked it beyond Diogo Costa to restore Spain’s advantage.

Portugal rang the changes after the break, bringing on Nélson Semedo and Rúben Neves, and it paid off. Mendes, once again a constant menace down the left, flew past Yamal and whipped in a low ball that deflected up kindly for Ronaldo to finish from close range.

La Roja had chances to win it - Isco drew a fine save from Costa, and Simón was called into action late on to deny Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick after Ronaldo had gone off injured.

Extra time was quieter, though Rafael Leão continued to threaten, and Diogo Jota headed over in what was the best chance of the additional 30 minutes.

The game had to be decided from the spot and the Seleção held their nerve from the spot - Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Mendes all converting confidently.

When Álvaro Morata’s tame effort was saved by Costa, it set the stage for Rúben Neves to seal it and he made no mistake.

Portugal not only claimed victory but also made history, becoming the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice, denying Spain the same accolade.