Ronaldo guides Portugal to 2nd UEFA Nations League title beating Spain in penalties

Portugal won their second Nations League title on Sunday after defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Munich.

Ruben Neves converted the game-winning penalty kick after Alvaro Morata missed.

Portugal twice went behind in regulation time but both times fought back to level the scores.

Spain took the lead after 21 minutes thanks to a slack Portuguese defending that was exploited by Martin Zubimendi.

It was levelled five minutes later by the outstanding Nuno Mendes.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain’s goalscorer in the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final, put La Roja back in front just before the break.

After a Mendes cross was deflected into the air, Cristiano Ronaldo immediately adjusted, squeezing past Marc Cucurella and volleying the falling ball home to equalise in the 61st minute.

The first three spot kicks were converted by both teams.

After Portugal’s fourth goal was buried by Mendes, Morata took the ball and blasted directly at Diogo Costa.

In front of the Portugal supporters’ red and green, Neves converted without hesitation.

In their lengthy history, Portugal’s victory against Iberian rival Spain was only their second competitive triumph.

Portugal became the first two-time winner of the Nations League, launched in 2018.

It was Portugal’s third major title, along with Euro 2016.