Ronaldo Leads Portugal Past Germany to Nations League Final

Photo: Vlad Indrei

June 4, 2025

Munich, Germany - Cristiano Ronaldo helped end a decades-long drought as Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semifinal on Wednesday in Munich — their first win over the Germans in 25 years.

Now 40 years old, Ronaldo captained the squad and scored his record-extending 137th international goal, becoming the oldest player ever to score against Germany. The win was Portugal’s first over Germany since Euro 2000, and their first on German soil since a 1985 World Cup qualifier — before Ronaldo was even born.

Making his 220th international appearance, another world record, Ronaldo finally broke his personal losing streak against Germany, having lost all five of his previous encounters.

Germany had taken the lead early in the second half thanks to Florian Wirtz, who headed in a well-placed effort in the 48th minute. But Portugal responded brilliantly through a pair of substitutes.

Francisco Conceição, the 22-year-old son of former Portuguese international Sérgio Conceição, made an instant impact just five minutes after coming on. The young winger surged past Robin Gosens and fired a stunning long-range strike into the far corner, leveling the match in the 63rd minute.

Ronaldo's winner came in the 68th minute after Nuno Mendes — fresh off a Champions League win with PSG — delivered a low cross, leaving Ronaldo with a simple tap-in to seal the comeback.

Portugal dominated the final stretch of the game, boosted by Vitinha’s midfield control after his substitution. Vitinha, who also featured in PSG’s Champions League final win against Inter Milan four days earlier, was instrumental in turning the tide.

Germany relied heavily on Marc-André ter Stegen, who made several key saves to keep the scoreline close. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann, missing key players like Jamal Musiala, admitted post-match:

“When we’re not at 100%, we can’t compete with top teams.”

Portugal’s starting XI included PSG’s João Neves and Nuno Mendes, while Germany handed a debut to Nick Woltemade, whose best first-half chance was denied by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

“It could have been more,” Mendes said after the match, reflecting Portugal’s dominance.

Portugal now awaits the winner of Spain vs. France, who meet in Stuttgart on Thursday. Germany will face the loser of that semifinal in the third-place playoff.