Portugal lifted just the third trophy in their history following a thrilling victory over Spain in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League final.
What looked to be a lopsided match early on at the Allianz Arena turned out to be anything but. Spain, who came into the UEFA Nations League final as the heavy favorites to lift the trophy for a second time, dominated the early stages of the fixture and got on the scoresheet first thanks to a close-range finish from Martín Zubimendi.
Portugal mustered a quick response, though, when Nuno Mendes sent a powerful strike into the back of the net. The goal was the first of Mendes’s international career and came at the perfect time for Portugal.
La Roja retook the lead on the brink of halftime thanks to a blistering run from Pedri in transition. The midfielder found Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored in his second consecutive final for Spain.
It was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo who got Portugal back in the match with a volley from close range in the 61st minute. Deadlocked at 2–2, neither side could find a winner in the remaining 29 minutes of the match or in extra time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the game.
Portugal scored their first four penalties while Álvaro Morata saw his effort saved by Diogo Costa. Rúben Neves then stepped up to the spot and emphatically won Portugal its second-ever UEFA Nations League title.
Here’s three takeaways from the UEFA Nations League final.
