Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final

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The Independent

·8 June 2025

Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final

'Maturity that's unbecoming of his age' - Spain camp rave about Yamal

Portugal win the Nations League for the second time after a blistering penalty shootout with Spain.

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Luis de le Fuente’s side were the favourites ahead of kick off and the first half proved why as the Spaniards swept into an early lead with pace and precision passing. Martin Zubimendi arrived in the box at the right time and turned in a deflection to put La Roja ahead.

Portugal responded four minutes late through a driving run from left-back Nuno Mendes. He cut inside from the left and guided a fine effort into the far bottom corner.

Just before half-time Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead and it looked as though they would cruise to victory. Roberto Martinez’s half-time changes helped swing the momentum and Cristiano Ronaldo turned in an equaliser to force the game to penalties.

Portugal were perfect, scoring all five of theirs, with Alvaro Morata having his effort denied by Diogo Costa. That was the defining moment but Ruben Neves still had to score the last spot kick to secure the trophy and he did.

Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain

Diogo Costa was the shootout hero as Portugal won the Nations League by defeating defending champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 in Munich.

Porto goalkeeper Costa denied Alvaro Morata from the spot before Ruben Neves slammed home the next kick to seal glory for Roberto Martinez's men.

Talk of the first meeting between 40-year-old Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and 17-year-old Spain winger Lamine Yamal dominated the build-up to the Allianz Arena showdown.

Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain

Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 penalties): Cristiano Ronaldo netted a second half equaliser before Ruben Neves slotted in the decisive penalty

Mike Jones8 June 2025 23:24

Nations League presentation

The Spanish side step up onto the stage and receive their runners-up medals.

Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, then leads up his team with Cristiano Ronaldo arriving last on the stage.

It is another moment in his remarkable career, another medal and another trophy.

Ronaldo is handed the silverware, he comes over to his team and hoists it high.

The confetti is thrown and the celebrations begin.

Mike Jones8 June 2025 23:08

Mike Jones8 June 2025 23:05

More goals for Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is now the joint-second top scorer in Nations League history with 15 goals, equal with Aleksandar Mitrović and behind only Erling Haaland (19).

Mike Jones8 June 2025 23:01