Portugal claimed their second-ever UEFA Nations League title—and third major international trophy—following a dramatic 120-minute encounter and penalty shootout victory over Spain.

Spain struck first through Martín Zubimendi in the 21^st minute, but just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes drew Portugal level. In first-half stoppage time, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead with a well-placed finish.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a relatively quiet second half, but as he has done so many times before, he rose to the occasion. A cross from Nuno Mendes found the Portugal captain in the box, and Ronaldo calmly slotted the ball past Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón to make it 2–2.

Unfortunately, Ronaldo was unable to finish the match, forced off with a hamstring injury in the 88^th minute. He was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.

Despite both sides pushing for a winner in extra time, the deadlock remained, sending the match into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Ramos opened the shootout by scoring for Portugal, followed by a flawless penalty from Mikel Merino. Vitinha sent Simón the wrong way, while Álex Baena responded with a calm finish for Spain. Bruno Fernandes made it 3–2 for Portugal, and Isco kept Spain in it with a composed strike. Nuno Mendes converted beautifully, then Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata was denied by Diogo Costa. Rúben Neves stepped up and buried the final spot kick to secure Portugal’s Nations League crown.

Speaking to Sport TV after the match, Ronaldo shared his emotions:

• “What a joy. First of all, for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude—for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.

“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy. When you talk about Portugal, it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”