Cristiano Ronaldo was brought to tears as he watched Portugal become the first nation to have won the UEFA Nations League title twice as they beat Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Munich. The Portuguese striker scored the second equalizer for his side before being forced to leave due to injury.
The last was a thriller from the beginning, with both sides keen to get at each other. In the first five minutes, Portugal's João Neves had a close one, just missing the target, as Spain had efforts from Pedri and Nico Williams. The first goal came in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi poked it in following a miss-clear by Portugal from a threatening cross by Lamine Yamal.
Portugal acted quickly. Involved in an intriguing struggle with Yamal, Nuno Mendes fought past Oscar Mingueza and scored his first goal at international level just five minutes later, equalizing.
Spain regained the lead just on halftime. Mikel Oyarzabal was expertly passed through by Pedri and slotting calmly past Diogo Costa to take it to 2-1.
After the interval, Portugal got going with the additions of Rúben Neves and Nelson Semedo. Their hard work was rewarded soon after the hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo's 938th career goal came after volleying in a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes to take the game back to 2-2.
Even after Ronaldo hobbled off towards the end of regulation, Portugal persisted in extra time. Semedo had a solid chance, and Rafael Leao's quickness kept the Spanish defense on the back foot. A late Diogo Jota header was closest to a winner for either team.
The drama spilled over into the penalty shootout. After both sides had converted their first three spot kicks, Diogo Costa pulled off a vital save diving to his right to deny Álvaro Morata. Then, Ruben Neves coolly scored the winning spot kick to claim Portugal's second UEFA Nations League title.
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