Decision after penalty shootout
Portugal crowns the winner of the Nations League
Updated on June 8th, 2025 – 11:52 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Spain and Portugal gave themselves nothing in the final of the Nations League. In the end, the decision was made from eleven meters.
In a gripping final of the Nations League, Portugal crowned the winner of the competition. In the penalty shootout, the team around Cristiano Ronaldo kept their nerves and defeated defending champion Spain 5: 3. After the end of the extension, it had been 2-2. Portugal, who defeated the German national team 2-1 in the semi -finals four days ago, crowned the winner of the competition in Munich for the second time after 2019.
Martin Zubimendi put Spain, which had spectacularly defeated France on Thursday, 5: 4 in front of 65,852 spectators in the 21st minute. Lamine Yamal prepared elegantly. Nuno Mendes immediately equalized (26th minute) before Mikel Oyarzabal still succeeded in 2-1 shortly before the break (45th). Ronaldo scored 2-2 (61.) in his 221st international. It was his 138th goal. With his decisive goal in penalty shooting, Rúben Neves not only fulfilled the dreams of the Portuguese world star. Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata had previously shot.
The first duel between Yamal and Ronaldo was the focus. “He is a legend. I have high respect for him,” said FC Barcelona’s young star. Before the game, Ronaldo had asked to let the highly gifted professional grow in peace. “Don’t put too much pressure for him,” emphasized Cr7.
It was also Ronaldo who initiated the first chance for Portugal after winning the ball. João Neves, next to Nuno Mendes and Vitinha one of three Champions League winners of Paris Saint-Germain, narrowly drew up (5th).
At first it developed an open game in which Yamal let his enormous skills flash for the first time in the 12th minute when it could only be slowed down by a foul after a solo. However, he set the subsequent free kick from the penalty area far over the goal. It was much scarcer shortly afterwards when Pedri and Nico Williams missed in a promising position.
Spain was the team of the tone in this phase and also rewarded itself. Yamal chipped the ball into the penalty area. After some confusion, Zubimendi was completely free and had no effort. But Portugal only shook himself briefly and struck back immediately when Nuno Mendes decided and goalkeeper Unai Simón did not give a chance.
An exchange of blows developed – with the better end of the first half for Spain. Oyarzabal remained freezing cold after a dream pass from Pedri.
After the break, no team was initially able to earn advantages. There were many ball relays in midfield, but also many inaccuracies and little speed. There were therefore hardly any chances – until Ronaldo met out of the crowd. The game now picked up speed again. Ronaldo left the field shortly before the end of the regular season. Yamal went out during the break of extension.