Portugal beats Spain to win The Nations league

Published on 08/06/2025 - 23:53 GMT+2•Updated 09/06/2025 - 0:25 GMT+2

Portugal defeated Spain in penalty kicks 5- 3 to win the Nations League final late on Sunday after both sides failed to score in extra time following a showdown that ended 2-2 in normal time.

After Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Goncalo Ramos all smoothly scored their penalties, Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Spain's Álvaro Morata’s spot kick before Neves converted his team’s fifth to seal the win.

The win marks the second Nations League trophy for Portugal after lifting the trophy in the inaugural edition in 2019.

Portugal's victory against its neighbours was hard-fought, as the Seleção had come back twice from behind. Cristiano Ronaldo sent the match to extra time when he equalised in the 61st minute with his record-extending 138th goal for Portugal.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo went off to a standing ovation and a hug from coach Roberto Martínez in the 88th.

The keenly contested game seemed destined for Spain after Mikel Oyarzabal had given Spain a 2-1 halftime lead. Oyarzabal squeezed the ball past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 45th minute after Pedri played him through on goal.

It was also Spain who drew the first blood after Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a tap-in when Portugal’s defence failed to deal with Lamine Yamal’s cross.

Five minutes later, Portugal responded with Nuno Mendes levelling by drilling a low shot inside the far post.

Les Bleus get Third place

Earlier, Kylian Mbappé led France to third place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.

The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other for Michael Olise as France recovered from a lethargic first half.