Cristiano Ronaldo Lifts Nations League Trophy After Portugal Edges Spain in Penalty Shootout Thriller

Photo: Vlad Indrei

Cristiano Ronaldo hoisted the UEFA Nations League trophy high as "We Are the Champions" echoed through the Allianz Arena in Munich, capping off a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain after a 2-2 draw in extra time on Sunday.

The decisive moment came when Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s penalty — Spain’s fourth in the shootout. Rúben Neves then calmly slotted home Portugal’s fifth and final penalty to seal the win. Morata, the only player to miss from the spot, was left heartbroken and inconsolable.

Ronaldo’s Record and Redemption

Ronaldo kept Portugal in contention with a crucial equalizer in the 61st minute, marking his 138th international goal, after Mikel Oyarzabal had put Spain ahead just before halftime. The Spanish forward slipped his shot past Costa in the 45th minute following a well-timed assist from Pedri.

“It’s a shame, and it’s tough,” said Oyarzabal post-match. “But with time, we’ll appreciate this journey more. We were tired in the second half. Their substitutions made the difference.”

End-to-End Drama

Spain, fresh from scoring five against France in the semifinal, looked less fluid in attack this time. They did grab the lead early through Martín Zubimendi in the 21st minute after Portugal’s defense failed to clear a dangerous ball whipped in by Lamine Yamal.

But Portugal responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes fired a low drive inside the far post to level the match at 1-1. The 22-year-old left back delivered a stellar performance, earning Player of the Match honors. He not only scored a key goal and helped contain Yamal but also provided the cross that deflected kindly for Ronaldo’s equalizer — and later confidently buried his own penalty in the shootout.

The Last Dance?

Ronaldo, visibly exhausted, was subbed off in the 88th minute to a standing ovation and embraced by coach Roberto Martínez. Just days earlier, he led Portugal to its first win over Germany in 25 years — and now, possibly in his final appearance, helped secure another trophy.

For Mendes and his Paris Saint-Germain teammates Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves, and Vitinha, it marked their second title in just over a week, having won the UEFA Champions League in the same stadium with PSG.